Page 64 of A Siren Song for Christmas

Cas turned. Sure enough, more people waited at the counter. “Oh.” Cas dropped Malachi’s hands and flew to serve.

“It’s nice meeting you, Malachi,” the bearded man said. “I’m Grady. That’s Lachlan and Kit over there making cookies. Leo is by the oven. I understand you’ve already met Wulfric and Briar. And Lacy is out front serving.”

Malachi tried to force the names and faces into his memory. “It’s nice to meet you all. I really hope I haven’t been keeping Trent too much.”

“He seems to be enjoying spending time with you. That’s the important thing.” Grady smiled, but his eyes studied Malachi.

“Anyway, he was just popping in to say hello, and now he has done that.” Trent took Malachi’s arm. “I’m going to give him some cake before he has to leave for work.”

There was a chorus of goodbyes and waves as Trent led him back into the front area.

“I hope that wasn’t too much.” Trent took him to a table.

“They were fine.” Malachi sat. “But I must confess, it will probably be a while before I memorise everyone’s name.”

Trent laughed. “That’s fair. So did you want some cake and tea before you head off? Or do you have to go now?” He sighed. “I can’t join you. I’ll need to start working.”

“I’ll take the tea and cake. But only if it isn’t too much hassle.”

“No hassle at all.” Then Trent was off. A few moments later, he returned. “Here you are. Some Christmas fruitcake, a snowflake cookie, and some ginger and pear tea. Enjoy.” Trent set them down before him.

“Thank you, Trent.”

“Make sure you say goodbye before you leave. Okay?”

Malachi nodded. “Of course.”

With a smile, Trent went off into the back area.

Malachi took a sip of the tea, and the hot liquid slid down his throat, chasing away any remnants of cold from his limbs. He took a bite of the sweet fruitcake and suppressed a moan.

As he ate and drank, he watched Trent with his siblings. They all kept giving Malachi curious glances.

What had Trent told them about him? Did they understand that he and Trent were just friends? An icy coldness crept up his spine.

They clearly loved Trent and were obviously assessing Malachi. But would they do that with a friend? Or had they misunderstood his and Trent’s relationship? Did they think the two of them were more?

He swallowed, and the cake settled heavily in his gut. Trent knew he and Malachi were just friends. But had Trent communicated that to the others? The constant glances and the fact Trent’s siblings were obviously talking about Malachi made him uneasy. He hurriedly ate the rest of his cake and cookie and drank his tea.

He waited for a lull in customers before he rose, grabbed his cup and plate, and approached the counter.

Chapter

Thirty-Three

“So does Malachi know how to use those tentacles?” Leo waggled his eyebrows as he measured ingredients.

Chopping dried cranberries, Trent let out a laugh. “Um…”

“Look at you blush! The sex must be good. Don’t think I haven’t noticed that you haven’t spent a single night at home in ages.” Leo paused. “What is it? A week? Have you been with Malachi every night for a week?”

“It’s actually been over a week.” Trent put the dried cranberries to the side and moved on to chopping dried cherries. “Probably more like two.”

“Two weeks! You’ve been at the emporium fucking Malachi every night for two weeks!” He clapped Trent on the shoulder. “Good work, little brother.”

Trent laughed again. But he kept his eyes on the dried cherries. He couldn’t look into Leo’s eyes or he would combust.

“But you say you’re just friends?” Leo glanced towards the front of the bakery where Malachi sat. “That right?”