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“Is that a hot tub?” She gaped at the inviting pool. Unlike the springs on Hell, the way it bubbled didn’t mean she’d be boiled alive.

“The Osivoire love their pools. It can be as hot or as cold as you want it.”

“Oh, that sounds amazing.” She peered in at the jets. They would feel fabulous on her back. “I hate to get it dirty. We’re such a mess.”

“It can handle it. Osivoire tech is impressive.” Payim smiled at her. “The question is, do you want to eat or bathe first?”

“Oh, that’s quite a conundrum.” She sauntered back toward him, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “Why not both?”

“Both it is. I think I know something you might enjoy.” He wore this sneaky expression as he turned to a console on the wall.

Curiously, she watched as he fiddled with the console, then a compartment in the wall opened. The scent that greeted her was an unexpected blast from the past. It was deep, dark, rich and sweet. Her heart sped up and she was drawn to Payim like a moth to a flame.

Oh, I know that smell.She salivated.

“What is it?” she asked, unable to believe what her senses were telling her.

When she attempted to peek around Payim’s broad back, he spun away.

“What is it?” she repeated as he scampered out of reach.

“I’ve heard your fellow humans rave about it.” Payim turned, revealing the platter like a magician at a show.

Her eyes widened, seeing the pile of brownies.

“No. How?” Her mouth hung open as she followed him, instantly zombified by the sight of chocolate, precious, precious chocolate.

“We recorded many things while on Earth. This seems to be a favorite among you females.” He grinned, rather proud of himself as he held the plate out.

She reached for one of the sinful looking treats, only to have Payim step back again, an impish glint in his jet-black eyes.

He’s fucking with me.

Her eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Payim, you are flirting with death. Unless you want me to seriously mess you up, you will stop and give me one of those right now.”

Payim stopped and looked at her, taking in her stance. His teasing smile turned serious, though the corners of his mouth still twitched as he extended the plate toward her. She suspiciously eyed him while reaching for one of the decadent morsels. Wisely, the man didn’t pull away. She latched onto a square and quickly snatched it off the pile, shoving it into her mouth whole.

“Mmm,” she moaned, closing her eyes in bliss as the flavor burst in her mouth.

The brownie was just the right mix of dark and sweet, but it wasn’t just the flavor that sent shivers up her spine, it was also the balance of a crunchy outside and chewy gooey inside that made her do a little happy dance. The fancy Osivoire tech had perfectly mastered the treat. When she finally opened her eyes again, Payim was grinning from ear to ear.

“I had no clue this was such a serious food.” He eyed the plate of treats.

“Some people praise chocolate like a god, even choosing it over sex,” she said, educating him.

“Hmm.” He popped a square into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. “It is good, but sex?” he questioned dubiously after finishing the bite.

“Yes.” She reached for another morsel, only to have him pull away again. “Payim!”

“Off with the top.” He grinned like a teenage boy as he nodded toward her ragged shirt.

She smirked at him, but complied. As far as bribes go, this was a good one. When she got the shirt pulled over her head, one of the treats was waiting in Payim’s outstretched hand. She opened her mouth, like a ravenous baby bird, and he popped it in.

“Oh yeah. That’s it.” She chewed, reveling in the utter bliss.

“This is truly a competition for your affection, isn’t it?” He shook his head in disbelief as he backed toward the pool, using the brownies to lure her.