Spiro burst out laughing, the sound booming in the kitchen.
“This is the best needy sub remark I’ve ever heard.” He kissed me briefly on the lips, then on both my cheeks. “I’ll test that theory while you’re here, don’t worry.”
I wiggled in my seat. “You better.”
Still chuckling, he washed his upper limbs and proceeded to spread the buttercream and jam on the cake with a spatula.
Fascinated, I watched his tentacles work, more interested in his body than the process or the food itself.
He dusted his creation with a little icing sugar on top and cut two slices. “Let’s see what you think.”
I took the plate from him, grinning. No one had ever baked me a cake before. “Thanks.”
I dug into it, moaning. “So good. I need to tell my followers.”
“Do they follow you for recipes?”
I stuffed more cake into my face. “No, but—” My throat constricted, and cleared it. “Wait. What jam is that?”
Spiro stepped toward me. “Strawberry.”
“Uh oh.” I coughed one more time before my throat closed.
Chapter Nine
Spiro
Panic.
Kaos was dying in front of me.
In a split second, I lowered him to the floor and ran to his bedroom, helping myself with my tentacles against walls to move quicker. I grabbed a white and orange pen off his nightstand and sped back. The instructions were simple, and I stabbed Kaos in the arm with the needle end and held it there for 10 seconds.
He gasped in a lungful of air, then coughed, looking at me with teary eyes and an apologetic smile.
“Fuck fuck fuck, I’m so sorry, Kaos! Are you okay? Is it over?” My hands shook as I clutched him by the shoulders with suchuncertainty, as if he were about to spill through my fingers like sand.
“I’m sorry. And thanks for saving my life.” Kaos’s cheeks were slowly losing their bright red tinge and going back to a healthy flush.
“After I almost killed you.” My words came out in a whisper. The reality of what might have happened hit me hard, and a woozy feeling fogged my head.
He offered me a sheepish smile. “But you didn’t. This happens sometimes if I don’t read the ingredients properly or a server lies to me to get me out of their hair. It’s no big deal.”
I levelled a stern gaze at him. “Like hell it isn’t. I need a written list of what you’re allergic to.”
“I’m sorry. I got distracted, I wasn’t thinking. Fuck. I should have given you one. But now, I don’t want to ruin your time here. I should just leave—”
I pulled him into a hug and felt him trembling. With gentle movements, I stroked his back till I felt his breathing calm down..
“You’ve given me a near triple-heart attack, but you’re not ruining anything.” I pulled away so I could meet his gaze. “My plan was to do some experimental cooking. I wasn’t expecting to have anyone to eat it.”
“I can be your tester.” He grinned like he hadn’t just died in my arms.
“You’re insane.”
“That cake was delicious, even if it was deadly. And if I give you a list of my allergies, it will be safe. I saw you clean with four tentacles and two hands, so I wouldn’t worry about cross-contamination once we get that jam far away from me.” He put his hands on his hips while still sitting with his legs curled under him. “Besides, didn’t you tell me you’re a chef at a popular restaurant? I’m sure you know your stuff in the kitchen.”
How could I say no to him?
