This would get her to come out. No one could resist the scent of freshly baked cookies. Not even me. Although, I wasn’t really a poster child for resisting temptation. I practically invented the concept of giving into it.
“Let’s see how long it takes you to follow your nose, darling,” I murmured, leaning against the counter as I watched the clock. “My money’s on two minutes.”
It took her three. But she came. The sound of her door creaking open, followed by soft footsteps down the hall, had victory singing in my veins. I was so bloody good.
“Are you making cookies?” she asked, hovering in the hallway like she hadn’t fully made up her mind whether she wanted to come and join me.
“Sure am,” I said, plunking the dirty mixing bowl into the sink I’d just finished filling with sudsy water.
She took a few hesitant steps forward.
That’s it. That’s my brave girl. Now sit down and let me win you over with my compassionate spirit.
“They’re chocolate chip. Your favorite.”
Her eyes flared wide for just a moment before a faint blush filled her cheeks. Cheeks that were pale and looking a little gaunt, if I was honest. But that was to be expected for a succubus who hadn’t recently fed.
“You remembered.”
“Of course I remembered. I remember everything you’ve told me.”
Her eyebrows lifted, and for a second, I thought she might ask me to prove it. But she didn’t. Instead she took a seat, perched on the edge like she could still flee at any second.
“You haven’t eaten much since you got here. I thought I could tempt you with something you liked.”
“That’s really sweet of you, Cole.”
Yes. Yes, it was. Thank you for noticing.
“I... I’m sorry I’m not great company right now.”
Hmm, what wouldColedo right now? Go to her and sweep her into my embrace? No. Too aggressive. Ignore her and make her come to me? No. She was too fragile at the moment to play that game.
“I told you I’d take care of you. That’s what I’m doing. You don’t have to entertain me in order to stay here.”
There we go. Security. Safety. Reassurance.
She made a soft sound, but I couldn’t figure out what it was supposed to mean.
“Where did you find the ingredients?” she asked.
Shit. Was she on to me?
“Most were on hand in the pantry and deep-freeze,” I answered vaguely.
“Even the eggs?”
See? Even Merri knew Cole wouldn’t be able to get fucking eggs.
“Neighbor,” I said with a tight grin. “They have some chickens. But if you’re hoping for milk, I’m afraid I have to disappoint you. No one has a cow or goat that I’m aware of.”
There. That was plausible. And by showing her there was something she’d have to go without, I made the lie more believable. The Master of Lies wasn’t a title I’d gained by tripping over my words.
“I see. Well, I don’t like milk anyway. I’m honored you’d use your eggs on cookies for me. Even with a chicken coop nearby, they can’t be that plentiful.”
“The world could end tomorrow, so we might as well have cookies today.”
Merri looked at me far too shrewdly. I thought back over my words, afraid I’d slipped up, but no. I just said itcouldend, and that was true. As far as humans were concerned, everything could come to a screeching halt at any moment.
