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"I'm fine," I manage, lifting my chin. "I see you've been busy."
Vael's gaze sharpens as he approaches me, those red-gold eyes studying my face with unsettling intensity. He moves with the fluid grace of a predator, even in the domesticity of his ownkitchen, dark hair tousled as if he's been running his fingers through it.
"Are you still feeling nauseous?" His voice drops lower, almost private despite Jackie's presence just feet away.
I nod, clutching the mug between my palms. "A little. The tea helps."
My eyes dart to Jackie, who's busying herself with breakfast preparations but clearly listening to every word. The ease with which she moves through Vael's space still bothers me in ways I can't rationalize. She belongs here more than I do, clearly.
Vael follows my gaze, something flickering across his features. "Jackie," he says without looking away from me, "would you give us a moment?"
"Sure thing, boss." She wipes her hands again, amusement playing at her lips. "I'll go check the pantry supplies anyway. You're running low on zynthra, and the pregnant lady needs her vegetables."
As Jackie disappears into the adjoining pantry, Vael takes a step closer. A smirk slowly spreads across his face, transforming his severe features into something unfairly handsome.
"You know," he says, voice pitched low enough that only I can hear, "Jackie has a wife."
I blink, processing his words. "What?"
"A wife. Her name is Donna. Half-nymph, completely devoted to Jackie." His smirk deepens as understanding dawns on my face. "But I needed someone to take care of the house, and I thought it might be easier for you to have another human woman around. One who doesn't pose any... complications."
Heat rushes to my cheeks. I stare into my mug, mortified that he's read my jealousy so easily.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I mutter.
Vael leans down, one hand braced on the table beside me. I catch his scent—something like smoke and spices, uniquely him. "Don't you?"
I force myself to meet his gaze, determined not to let him see how flustered I feel. "Why would I care who works for you?"
"I didn't say you cared." His voice drops another octave. "But the look on your face when I walked in... very interesting."
"I was surprised to find a stranger in the kitchen," I counter, lifting my chin. "Nothing more."
"Of course." His mouth quirks up at one corner. "My mistake."
The amusement in his eyes makes something flip in my stomach that has nothing to do with morning sickness. I hate how easily he sees through me, especially when I've spent years perfecting the art of concealing my true feelings.
"Well," I say, struggling to regain my composure, "thank you for thinking about my comfort. It was... considerate."
"I can be considerate when it serves a purpose." He straightens, still looking too pleased with himself. "A human who understands your needs seemed practical."
Practical. Of course. Everything about this arrangement is practical for him. I shouldn't feel touched that he went out at dawn to find someone to help me through this pregnancy. I shouldn't care that he chose a woman with a wife to spare my nonexistent feelings. I shouldn't feel anything beyond the physical when we're together.
But I do, and that terrifies me more than any demon ever could.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I ask, unable to keep the accusation from my voice. "Making me uncomfortable."
"Immensely." He doesn't even try to deny it. "I've never seen you flustered before. It's... refreshing."
I roll my eyes, but something warm unfurls in my chest. This banter feels dangerous, too close to something real.
"I wasn't jealous," I insist, one last feeble attempt.
Vael just raises an eyebrow, silent challenge in his expression. Then he turns toward the pantry. "Jackie, you can come back now. Stop pretending you're counting spice jars."
Jackie emerges with a sheepish grin. "Not my fault you two are more entertaining than inventory."
I groan, burying my face in my hands as Vael chuckles, a deep rumble that I feel more than hear.