“You are.”
“A lot of this is against my will, against my morals and ideals but. . .I’m learning.”
“And that’s perfect.”
“I feel like I should do something.”
Hiro scanned the kitchen and then grinned. “It looks like you’re doing a lot.”
I smirked. “But is that enough?”
“It’s always enough, because in the end. . .you are enough, Nyomi. Whether you cooked for us or not.”
Hiro. . .
My heart ached. “Thank you for helping me today.”
"Kenji needs you. I need you. The Claws, Fangs, and yes even the Roar needs you.” Hiro pulled me back into that ocean breeze hold.
My breath caught.
“Which means it's okay for you to need us too."
I closed my eyes.
"You're not alone in this. Whatever horrors live in your head. . .they're our horrors now too. We share them."
“Oh, Hiro.” Calm spread through my chest. “I needed this.”
“Good.” He shifted a little. “But more important, sis. What are you cooking? It smells so good in here.”
"I’m surprised you think it smells good because I ruined the oxtail."
A surprised laugh rumbled through his chest, and then he let me go. "Then we'll make more."
“Fact. We’ll just make more.”
He released me and rolled those massive shoulders like he was settling back into his body.
Then, Hiro actuallylookedat the kitchen—not just scanning. His gaze moved across the prep stations where ingredients still sat in neat little bowls. The pastry station with its miniature tarts. The sample plates arranged for tasting. The sauces and doughs.
"Wait." His brow furrowed. "What is all this?"
"We've been testing dishes all morning. Small batches of everything for the cocktail party."
“For the Claws?”
I winked at him. “Is there any other cocktail party I’m supposed to be doing?”
“Better not be.” His eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. "These are samples?"
“Yes.”
Hiro was already heading for the food.
“Oh, wait a minute. No. Hiro, stop!”
Chapter nine
