He crushed her to him in a last, lingering embrace, peppering her shoulder with eager kisses.For a heartbeat she felt the nip of his teeth—sharp, intoxicating—and a new jolt of pleasure shot straight to her mind.When he finally slipped free, he set her gently back on the countertop, his grin wicked and hungry.“Now, my dear, make me something to eat before I devour you,” he said, voice playful and low.
Ancelin laughed, her cheeks flushed and slipped away toward the dark bathroom.She flicked the light on and splashed cold water over her hands, then paused at the mirror.Staring at her flushed reflection, she shook her head with a fond smile.“What a dream,” she whispered.“Though…far better than any nightmare.”With that, she turned off the light and stepped back into the warmth of their shared morning.
Ancelin kept herself busy in the kitchen, finding solace in cooking and baking.It helped distract her from memories and the current uncertain situation.It was a joy to once again have someone who appreciated her culinary skills.
She noticed several small but essential items missing from Krevan’s pantry, like spices and flavorings that could elevate the meals.Ancelin began jotting down a list of ingredients she thought Krevan would enjoy, which would also enhance their dishes.It dawned on her that she was planning to stay with Krevan, at least for the foreseeable future.As she continued cooking and scanning the kitchen, she found more items to add to her list.Once she accessed the Galaxnet, she intended to order these things for Krevan.
Ancelin wondered if the smaller cargo vessels visited Verrian on a more regular schedule than the passenger ships.Maybe the markets in Silos or Coti carried what she craved.The bland chicken dinner last night had made her realize how much she missed her collection of herbs and spices.She'd remembered her favorite copper pans and ceramic knives, but in the chaos of relocation, the essential seasonings had been forgotten.Her upcoming shipment wouldn't solve this problem either.What she wouldn't give for a bottle of her father's Chardonnay from the cellar back home—a rare indulgence on this frontier world.Perhaps Lena could arrange to send some from the family reserves.
Cinnamon and butter perfumed the air, transforming the space from mere shelter into something that felt like home.Krevan abandoned his work, drawn to the kitchen by both hunger and the promise of her company.He settled at the table with his mug while Ancelin retrieved leftovers from the previous night, setting the plate before him to hold him over until dinner.
Krevan tracked her with his eyes as she moved back to the counter, her fingers pressing into the soft dough while steam curled from the oven's edge.Whenever his coffee dipped below half-full, she appeared with the pot, refilling without interrupting his thoughts."This cooking skill of yours—where's it from?"he asked, raising the mug to his lips without looking away from her practiced movements.
"Mom's kitchen lessons," Ancelin said, the corners of her mouth lifting."Nothing makes me happier than feeding someone who matters to me.Ready for that pie?"
“I’ll move to the island so we can talk more easily.”He moved his plate, set his cup on the kitchen island, and settled onto a stool.Noticing the notepad in her hand, he asked, “What’s on your list?”
“Just a few things I thought we might need,” she said.“Do you want the pie hot, or shall I let it cool a bit?”
“Hot, if you can pull it out now.And after I eat, I’ll dive back into work so we can carve out some free time later—just for you and me to get to know each other better.”He gave her a playful wink.
Ancelin slid the pie slice onto his plate, steam curling upward between them.
"Yes."Krevan breathed in deeply, his expression brightening."It smells incredible—looks it too.You've got real talent."
"Thank you."Her cheeks warmed at his praise as he took his first bite.
"I can bring in your boxes after I eat, then take your luggage upstairs to the bedroom—if that works?"
"Sounds good," she said.
He polished off the slice in one final mouthful.He glanced at the mixing bowl on the counter."Is that cake batter I see?"
"Chocolate," she confirmed.
"Chocolate does something to me, just like coffee."He moved closer, green eyes holding hers with unmistakable intent."I think I'll have to keep you around."
Something fluttered low in her belly as she smiled back at him.
Krevan's eyes lingered on her, his gaze so intense she felt it like a physical touch against her skin.When he finally resumed his work, Ancelin would catch glimpses of him moving—just flashes of motion and sudden breezes that stirred her hair and left her pulse quickening.
With her bread and cake safely in the ovens, she found herself drawn to him like a magnet, needing to see what he'd accomplished.Her mother's voice echoed in her memory:Men need their women to witness their strength.The thought of being Krevan's woman sent a delicious shiver through her.
Heart fluttering, she traced his path through the house, the living room window now gleaming with new glass.Upstairs, she discovered he'd moved her luggage to her room, but had also placed his belongings alongside hers, their personal items intertwined in intimate coexistence."Well, I guess I'm going to have a roommate," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she made her way to his master suite.There he stood, powerful and focused, nearly finished securing the windows."You've done so much," she said, her voice betraying her admiration.
In three swift strides he was before her, his hands cupping her face with surprising gentleness for someone so strong."Thank you," he murmured, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that made her knees weak."You taste perfect."His arms enveloped her completely, his body radiating heat that seemed to melt her from the inside out.Between increasingly hungry kisses, he whispered against her mouth, "Sweet as chocolate.Are you ready for our bath together?"
Despite the liquid warmth pooling inside her, Ancelin reluctantly pulled back."No," she managed, though her body screamed otherwise."My bread and cake...I can't let them burn."But even as she spoke, she couldn't help wondering if she was the one in danger of burning up entirely.
Krevan cocked his head to the side, his gaze burning into hers."You came to check on me?"His voice dropped to a husky whisper."No one has ever cared enough to do that."
"I wanted to make sure you were all right."Her pulse quickened as she looked up at him.
He pulled her against his chest, his heartbeat thundering against hers as his mouth claimed hers in a kiss that stole her breath."I see right through you," he murmured against her lips.
"Do you?"Ancelin melted into him, her body remembering his touch like a melody.
"You want to please me."His fingers traced her jawline."And I'm desperate to please you."When he laughed, the sound vibrated through her body.His face transformed—chiseled features softening only for her, green eyes blazing with hunger.
