His chest shook with silent laughter. “You’re welcome.”
I finished off the carrot and then leaned, peering down between his legs. My eyes widened in pure, astonished delight. “Is that peach cobbler?” Peaches were a rarity, a special and expensive treat you indulged in once every ten years—if you could afford them then.
His nose was close to my left temple with the way I was positioned. He whispered, “Take it.”
I hesitated.
“You only have a chicken sandwich left then.” I cleared my throat, and then mumbled as quietly as I could, “And I can’t pay you back for that cobbler. I’m here with my own money, not my father’s.”
Heat burned on my cheeks as I blushed. Uncomfortable embarrassment thrummed inside my chest. But I really wanted that cobbler. I hoped he wouldn’t say no. I was so broke now that I wouldn’t be able to afford any meals outside of the Military House—it was free there.
Godric dipped his head forward, the tip of his nose now touching the tender skin of my temple. His voice was a mere breath. “Take it, pet. I want to watch that little pink tongue of yours lick every crumb off your delicious lips.”
I peeked at his friends, but they were still deep in their own conversation. They hadn’t heard what he said.
I seized the peach cobbler and the utensil next to it. Then I leaned back into my proper place. His shoulder still rested against mine, but we were no longer too close.
Around a mouthful of sinful indulgence, I mumbled, “Thank you.”
His lips twitch. “You’re welcome.
Golden eyes stared at my mouth.
Each time I licked my lips free of crumbs, his eyes flared in desire. He was enjoying watching me as much as I was enjoying eating. It was an excellent bargain.
Dark honey hair caught my attention as I licked the fork clean, the entire cobbler gone in less than a minute. The scary ass guy, who could pass for an academy student, was eating a piece of pizza by himself under a tree at a table.
I tilted my head in the man’s direction. “Who is that guy?”
Godric’s eyes flicked from my mouth to where I had indicated. He scanned the area with his intense gaze, many employees roaming the courtyard there.
“Which man?”
“The one by himself and eating pizza.”
Godric found the target, and his brows rose when he peered back at me. “Most people don’t notice he’s around.” His head tilted in interest. “Why are you curious about him?”
I didn’t want him to know that the man scared me. I didn’t want him knowing I found anything frightening. So I shrugged a bored shoulder, and answered, “He was hanging around when the crazy scientist was giving his speech about how amazing you are.”
His lips twitched in humor, though his eyes carefully scanned my features. He didn’t completely believe me. “His name is Theron. He works for me occasionally on special projects.”
“Special projects?”
He nodded. That was all.
I knew a brushoff when I saw it.
Godric groaned under his breath, his features pained as he looked skyward. “Actually, I need to speak with him.”
“Theron?” Finn groused. “Wait until we’re gone.”
Rune grunted in agreement, finishing his water.
Alaric rubbed his forehead. “I’m really not in the mood to deal with him today, either.”
Wolfe snorted and glared. “Same.”
My red brows rose on my forehead.
