Angel leaned in close to inhale, and her mouth watered. “Scythe. Did he prepare this?”
“Probably. He’s an incredible cook. His Little girl says he’s the best, but she’s biased. Scythe won’t be pissed. He understands. Now, eat.”
Vex handed her a hot dog with mustard and relish. Angel hadn’t eaten junk food in years. As hungry as she was, she would have eaten a shoe with toppings on it. Taking a bite, she moaned as the smoky, greasy flavor spread through her mouth along with the tang of the mustard and the sweetness of the relish. “This is so good.” She took several more chomps as fast as she could chew.
“Slow down, Baby Girl. You’re going to choke.”
The Ravagers had given her barely edible food—soggy, molding bread and mystery meat. She’d forced herself to endure what she could and worried with each bite that they’d done something horrendous to the ingredients. Eventually, she’d decided ultimately it didn’t matter what they did. She needed to eat to survive.
She peeked up and noted Vex’s worried expression. Dropping her gaze to her last morsel of hot dog, Angel realized she had grease on her chin. He must think she was an absolute pig. She hadn’t even put a napkin on her lap or set the bun down between bites.
“Sorry.” Angel forced herself to drop the small remaining section on the plate he’d placed in front of her when all she wanted was to shove that last bit in her mouth. She slid the napkin off the table and scrubbed at her face, as the food churned in her stomach.
“Whoa, Baby girl.” Vex grabbed her hand and held it. “Look at me.”
She tried to resist his order, but his gaze burned into her. Slowly, she lifted her chin. “I apologize. I have much better manners.”
“Fuck manners!” he barked. When she jumped, he added, “Sorry, Baby girl. I shouldn’t have raised my voice.”
He squeezed her hand and said in a gentler voice, “I’m only concerned about you choking, Angel. I know you’re starving. Come here. Let me help you.”
Vex quickly adjusted their chairs and plucked her out of her seat and onto his lap. “Take a drink for me.” He raised her glass of milk to her lips and held it for her.
After setting the beverage down, Vex tugged her plate over in front of him and picked up the last of her hot dog. “Finish this for me, sweet girl.”
Angel opened her mouth and followed his directions. As she chewed, he took a bite from his dish. He made a funny face and combined the two plates together. Picking up his fork, Vex loaded some potato salad on the prongs and lifted the concoction to her lips. “I don’t have anything you can catch, Baby girl, except for a bad attitude.”
She opened her mouth automatically when he fed her again. The delicious, creamy flavor spread through her mouth as she ate. Swallowing, she said, “That’s incredible. Homemade.”
“Probably Scythe’s grandmother’s recipe. His Little girl, Winnie, loves it.” Vex tried the salad and nodded. “Totally Scythe’s.”
When she looked at the common fork he used, Vex asked, “Are you against sharing?”
“No. I’m healthy, too. It’s….” Angel searched for a good explanation. “Intimate?”
“Are you opposed to intimate?” he asked, feeding her another bite.
She welcomed the opportunity to think of a suitable response as she chewed. How should she answer that? Finally she chose honesty, and she whispered, “No. I mean, you’ve seen me naked. We haven’t even kissed.”
Vex dropped the fork, letting the utensil clatter onto the plate. He wrapped a hand around the back of her head and drew her forward. “We need to remedy that,” he said softly before nibbling gently at her lips.
Angel leaned in, eager to deepen the kiss. He tasted like their delicious meal and a flavor even yummier than that. His own special flavor captivated her. When he lifted his head, a faint sound of protest escaped from her lips.
“I know, Baby girl. I feel our connection too.” Vex pressed his mouth to hers again.
This time when he released Angel, he grinned at her. “So, can we share a fork now?”
A giggle burst from her. “Yes, Vex.” She reached for the last bite of hot dog and gasped when Vex popped her hand lightly.
“Daddy’s job, Baby girl,” he told her as he picked up the food. He held it to her mouth and waited patiently.
After accepting, Angel chewed and considered him. She didn’t understand what drew her to Vex. Sure, he was handsome and had a great butt. He’d rescued her from hell. But something even more ground-shattering seemed to link them together. She felt better with him around than with anyone else. Even Trevor.
“Whoa, Angel. What was that last thought?”
“Now that I’m safe, I should call my folks and….”
“And?” he prompted.
