Page 28 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

Percival sat. Leo placed a blanket over his lap. It would be easier to not leer if the man’s dick wasn’t on display.

He glanced at the doors off the main room. He could see light beneath Grady’s door. But otherwise, everyone else seemed to be asleep.

Fuck, he envied them! But he’d feed the phoenix and the raven. Then he could sleep and deal with everything tomorrow.

Leo walked over to the larder where they kept leftovers from the bakery. “You’re lucky. Looks like we have a couple of spiced lentil and mashed potato pies.”

“Sounds delicious.”

Leo’s hand froze on the pie.

Sounds delicious.

That was the first time the phoenix had ever said something nice about his pies. Had Percival lost his personality when he’d been reborn? Would it return with his memories?

Leo scowled at the thought of having to deal with the arrogant lord once again. He straightened and shoved that thought away. For the moment, Percival was a nice, although very confused, man. And Leo would happily deal with this version of the phoenix.

Leo returned with the two pies, plus some dried fish, dried fruit, walnut bread, and butter.

“Sorry, Percy. You’ll have to eat the pies cold.” Leo handed the plate over.

“Percy?” He took the plate.

“Oh. Sorry.” Leo hadn’t even realised he’d used the nickname. Apparently, he’d randomly bestowed it on the phoenix.

“No. It’s nice.” Percival smiled again. “You can call me Percy if you like.”

Leo felt his insides melt at that smile. How could this sweet man be the same arsehole who’d pissed him off constantly for days?

On the floor, he placed a plate with dried fruit and fish. The raven hopped over and began pecking. She looked healthy enough. But what had happened to her wing? Other than it not sitting flat, the wing didn’t look too bad. But what the fuck did Leo know? Maybe Briar would be able to help tomorrow.

He got a small saucer of water for the raven and a cup of water for Percival.

“Mmmm! This tastes so good.” The phoenix’s eyes were closed as he chewed. He held one of the pies in hand. A sizeable bite was missing. Percival moaned, jaw working as he chewed. Then he swallowed and licked his lips. “That’s incredible, Leo! You made this?”

“I did.” Leo chuckled.

“Well, it’s amazing!” He took another bite. “You’re an amazing baker!”

Leo had to smother a laugh.

Well, it seemed like Percival definitely liked his pies. Of course, for days he’d assumed Lord Percival Everflame liked his pies. Why else would the dickhead keep coming into their bakery to order them? But now he had confirmation.

Taking a seat, he watched the two birds eat and drink, feeling a sense of satisfaction settle in his chest at having fed and provided for them. After a few moments, he cut into the bread, slathered it in butter, and took a bite.

He leaned back in the chair and chewed.

“This is so yummy!” Percival exclaimed.

How can he be the same person?Perhaps that was why Leo had given him a nickname. His full name and title were too pompous. It suited the man who’d come into his bakery. It suited the man Leo hated.

But the namePercysuited the man here, the man who smiled and ate his pies with so much relish, whilst complimenting Leo.

When Percival finished the second pie, he exhaled with disappointment.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make more pies tomorrow.” Leo held out the plate of bread and butter. “Here. My brother Jack made walnut bread. He has an affinity for nourishment. You probably need some nourishment after being reborn.”

Percival took a slice and put a thick layer of butter on it. He took a bite and chewed thoughtfully. He swallowed. “It’s tasty.” Then he gave a small smile and whispered, “But not as good as your pies.”