Laz looked down at the blob and did indeed seem to be pondering something profound, or perhaps that they’d been trusted enough for her to ask them to use her nickname.
“I don’t mind,” Rose said, working her whole body into the motions. “This is fun.”
Laz gave her a scrutinizing look. “Oh, and when Dav brings out the books and says words likeitemizedandprofit, you’ll still think it’s fun?”
Two words he should not have used, because Rosalind’s oddly expressive eyes widened in excitement before she shook her head. “Yes, I mean,no. That’s your private business. Except I did sort of make sure Lovable Loaf was up to date on all appropriate licenses and paid dues on time.”
“Mozke had you worried?” Laz teased.
“They did imply that you had to be selling something illegal if your bronzeberry scones tasted that good. They do have a point.” She smiled, looking between them. “Laz is going to say the secret ingredient is happiness, and Dav is going to say that if he tells me, he’llhave to kill me.”
Davarox winked. “Or never let you leave.”
Her cheeks turned an adorable pink as she looked away, mumbling something that his ears strained to hear but made hope swell in his chest.
Maybe I neverwantto leave.
Finally standing with a defeated huff, Dav said to Laz, “Rune is acting up again. Think you could get it going?”
The red demon nodded. “Sure. Go flirt with Rose over numbers. Gods know you deserve someone who can actually help with that.” He squeezed Rose’s hands then dusted the flour off on his apron and faced the oven with a scowl. “Alright, buddy, are we going to do this the easy way or the hard way?”
Davarox placed his hand on Rosalind’s hip, guiding her toward the front. Once they were clear of the kitchen, she gave a wary look behind her.
“He’s not going to… blow up the oven or anything, right?”
“Luckilythatparticular protection rune is still in working order. And that’s his magic specialty, so it’s not usually a problem.”
Her lips twisted into a frown. “Someone from the city should look at it. Providing heat to buildings, even ovens, is part of Heck’s infrastructure.”
Grunting, Dav knelt and hoisted out their ledger. “You would think.” Which was the wrong thing to say aloud because, when he turned, Rose had her arms folded and a scowl etched between her brows.
It was both adorableandterrifying.
“Davarox.”
Oh, using his full name.
“Rosalind.”
That obviously didn’t help his case, but he was a masochist.
“Are you telling me that someone from the city did not provide the service that you pay for and that they are paid to do?”
“None of those words ever passed my lips.”
“No, but I can see them on your face.” When he blinked in surprise, she stepped closer. Her arms unfolded, and with slow movements, she brought one flour-dusted finger to the tip of his nose. “This little flare.” She then poked the corner of his mouth. “And this little flinch.”
Dav captured her hand, so fast she couldn’t pull away. “Is that so? You know me so well that my face speaks?”
Her warm brown eyes held his in challenge. “I’d rather you use your words.”
“Laz is better at it.”
“And you think I can’t hear what hedoesn’tsay?”
He had no response.
From the moment Dav had seen Rosalind across the room, he’d been entranced by her beauty. From the moment she first opened her mouth, he’d fallen for her mind as well.
