Page 43 of A Siren Song for Christmas

“I am.” Trent sighed and flopped onto the chair.

Malachi frowned. “I hope you didn’t feel like you had to come here. As much as I’m pleased you are, if you needed to rest?—”

“No!” Trent sat up straight. “I wanted to come. I’ve been looking forward to it all day.” His eyes gleamed. “I’ve been thinking about what we did last night.”

“So have I.” Throughout the day, Malachi’s mind had turned over the previous evening. He’d thought of the sounds Trent made. The way he’d writhed beneath him. Several times he’d found himself lost in thoughts and growing aroused. Which had been very distracting.

They stared at each other, the air between them heavy with promise. Malachi could see the hunger in the young man’s eyes. He knew with a word or gesture, he could have Trent naked and begging.

But first he should make sure Trent was fed. He had worked hard today. It sounded like he worked hard every day.

Malachi didn’t want to exhaust him. Especially because he had plans of tiring him out soon. He turned back to the fireplace. Soon he had it crackling and giving off light and warmth.

“There.” Malachi rose. He put the kettle over the flames to boil water for tea. Then he fetched tea leaves and a couple of cups.

When he’d gone out to buy things, he’d specifically decided to get cutlery, cups, and plates in order to be a better host for Trent. He’d had a cup, bowl, and plate, of course. But not enough for two people. And he wanted Trent to be comfortable in his home.

Malachi wanted to laugh. Even without him trying, Trent’s presence had already brightened his little room.

Trent pulled out the baked goods from the packages: cake, bread, pies, muffins, and Christmas cookies. Malachi’s mouth watered. Malachi got out some fruit, smoked sausage, and cheese, which he’d also bought when he’d gone out earlier.

He’d spent more and gotten a better selection than he would normally have. He wanted to ensure Trent was well fed.

“Have you eaten much today?” Malachi handed him some cutlery and a plate.

Trent nodded as he served himself. “I usually grab food whilst I’m running around. But I don’t sit down to eat with anyone most days. So this is a treat.”

“It is for me too.” And Malachi meant it. Compared to what he usually ate, this was food fit for a king. And the fact he had someone to eat with definitely improved the meal. “Don’t you usually eat with your siblings?”

Trent shook his head. “Not so much. We usually take breaks at different times. And we’re all running around.” He paused. “We used to eat more together. But recently, everyone has their partners, and many don’t live at home anymore. So not so much lately.”

Trent spoke the words lightly enough. But Malachi got the sense it bothered him.

Malachi made them both a cup of tea and then sat down. “Well, I don’t usually eat with others either. So I am glad you’re here.”

Trent smiled.

Malachi continued, “And I’ve been thinking, even though I said I wasn’t interested in anything romantic, I’d still like our relationship to be more than just sexual interactions. I would like a friend. I do not have any, and I’ve been lonely,” Malachi said, being brutally honest.

He pushed on. Because he wanted everything laid out before them. “And I would like us to be friends. Would that be something you’d be interested in?”

Trent swallowed the food in his mouth. “I’d like that too.”

“Good.” Malachi held Trent’s gaze for several seconds. Then he turned to the food. “Which of these delicacies do you recommend I start with?”

“Oh, I recommend everything! Jack made the bread.” Trent pointed. “He has an affinity for nourishment, so that’s good for keeping you fed and strong. Jasper made the Christmas cake with nuts, dried fruit, marzipan, and icing sugar. Wulfric made the lemon muffins. Leo made the pie. And Cas made the pretty bauble cookies.”

“What did you make?” Malachi asked.

Trent hesitated. “I mean, I helped with a lot of it, especially Jasper’s Christmas cake. But I didn’t really make anything myself. I’m not much of a baker. I’m more of an assistant. I wash, I clean, and I prepare, chop, and measure out ingredients for the others.” He gave a self-conscious laugh. “I don’t do the important stuff.”

“I don’t know much about baking, but that all sounds important to me,” Malachi said.

“I try to be as helpful as possible,” Trent rushed out. “In particular, I try to help Jasper. He doesn’t have much energy these days. So I support him as I can.”

“I’m sure he appreciates it.” Malachi was somewhat familiar with Jasper’s case.

When Trent had first come into the emporium, he’d told Malachi about his brother’s accident. He had even handed him a note from the healer that went into what Jasper required.