Page 29 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

Leo laughed. Percival took another bite.

Leo stared as Percival chewed, taking in his ridiculously handsome face. Slowly, his gaze travelled down his throat. Then he stared at Percival’s defined pecs and the lines of his torso. His skin radiated. It was like a fire burned brightly in the hearth and the light reflected off Percival’s skin.

Leo licked his lips. He felt a sudden desire to lean forward and lick Percival’s elegant jawline.

Lord Percival Everflame’s personality was such a deterrent. Even though he was beautiful, it was hard to feel an attraction when repulsed by his behaviour.

But with Percival like this, it was hardnotto feel the pulse of attraction in his blood. Leo looked to the empty fireplace.

Still, Percival would probably get his memories back soon. And he’d return to the man Leo despised, and who despised Leo. Also, Percival had just been reborn. It wouldn’t be right to make a move on him now when he was so vulnerable. No matter how stunning he was.

“Are we lovers?”

Had Percival hoped they were? Was that why he’d asked? He took another bite of bread, chewing slowly.

“What’s her name?” Percival broke the silence.

Chapter

Thirteen

“Who?” Leo asked. “Oh, the raven?”

The raven hopped up onto the chair and then stepped on Percival’s knee.

“I don’t think she has one,” Leo said.

“She isn’t your raven?” Percival raised a brow.

“Well… Not yet.” Leo smiled at the raven. “I’m thinking of asking her if she wants to be my familiar.”

The raven turned her head towards Leo. She blinked at him.

“I’m a hearth and kitchen witch. We often have familiars,” Leo explained to Percival.

“Oh.” Percival’s eyes widened.

Leo got the sense he didn’t quite know what a hearth and kitchen witch was. But honestly, Leo was too tired to explain. He could tell Percival all about it later.

“I have a sense she’d say yes if you asked her to be your familiar.” Percival looked at the raven. He tilted his head, hair sliding against his collarbone. Sparks of embers danced amongst the red strands. “But you really should name her first. I think that would be appropriate.”

“Should I? Well, how about—” Leo paused, considering. “—Ebony?” He said the first name that popped into his mind.

“Ebony.” Percival smiled, and Leo’s stomach somersaulted. “That’s a good name. But let’s ask her. What do you think of the name Ebony?” he asked the raven.

She clicked. Leo chuckled.

“I think she likes it,” Percival said. “Now, Leo, do you have something else to ask Ebony?”

Leo grinned. “Ebony, would you like to be my familiar?”

She blinked at him for several seconds. Then she lifted her black beak and cawed loudly.

Percival laughed. “That sounds like a yes to me.”

Leo lifted a hand and stroked his fingers over Ebony’s right side, over the wing that wasn’t injured. “I’m glad to have you as my familiar, Ebony.” Smiling, Leo glanced at Percival.

But Percival frowned.