Kenji's chopsticks appeared in front of my face. A piece of steamed tofu sat between them, glistening with that dark glaze. "Open, Tora."
Smiling, I opened my mouth, and he placed the tofu on my tongue.
Mmmm.
The flavor hit me slow. It was warm and savory with this deep earthiness that spread across my palate and made my eyes close on their own.
Perfect.
The glaze was sweet at the edges, almost smoky, and the tofu itself was so crispy on the outside and soft within.
Chef Bunzo is not playing around.
I hummed against the taste.
Kenji's chest vibrated against my back. "When did you eat last?"
I thought about it. Really thought about it. There'd been the wine. The reading. The kitchen prep. The braiding session with Deja before that when I’d been so worried about Kenji and them. . .I didn’t think I even touched the plate Zo had made me. "Uh. . .I'm not sure."
He pursed his lips. His arm tightened around my waist. Another piece of tofu appeared in front of my lips. "Open."
I took it.
"Naughty Tiger."
I swallowed.
He leaned forward and brushed his lips against my ear. "Taking care of everyone and forgetting yourself."
“I promise to do better.”
Kenji fed me another piece. "You'll eat a full plate before we leave this table."
"Yes, baby."
The meal continued. We all were eating, talking, and mumbling with our mouths full. And even though they were big, strong, dangerous men who had just come back from a battle, they acted like boys at the table.
Nudging each other with their elbows.
Taking food from each other's plates with chopsticks and grinning when someone protested.
Frowning when someone stole their drink.
Laughing at jokes I couldn't quite hear.
I shook my head.
This damn Claws cocktail party is going to be a hot mess.
“Hold on. People are missing.” Kenji looked around the table carefully like he was counting people. "Where's Satoshi?"
Yoichi answered while chewing. "Satoshi is off with Nyomi's friend Zo. It seems that Nyomi's grandmother had a special remedy for his water allergy. It healed him. Instantly. And once you all gave the update that everything was fine, I made the decision to let him remain in his room, enjoying that relief."
Hiro's face lit up with excitement. "Oh, I can't wait to meet my new Grandmother. She's sounding like a goddess too."
Laughter erupted around the table.
I frowned at him. "You're not going to meet my grandmother."
