Page 61 of Bite Me

“You need breakfast.”

He snuffled a soft laugh against my neck, so I leaned back to look at his face.

His lips curved, and he squinted. “Don’tyouneed breakfast?”

“I’m good for a few days.” I rubbed my thumb over his plush bottom lip. “But I do like snacking between meals.”

Throwing his head back, Eddie laughed out loud, all joyful and carefree. It was a beautiful sound.

“So, what did you buy?”

I grabbed his hand and opened the fridge for his inspection.

“What the internet advised me, except for eggs and bacon. I didn’t trust myself to cook. I haven’t used the stove once.”

Eddie chuckled. “Dear me, you don’t even know how to cook eggs.”

“I only eat rare steak on occasion.”

“Huh. I forgot about that. Red wine and red meat.”

“The only things aside from blood that vampires can consume.”

“And the steak… Can it replace the blood? I mean nutrition-wise.” He pulled out the cheese and inspected the contents of the paper bags with baked goods.

“Not really. Most vampires eat it because it’s the only thing they can order in a restaurant or because they like the taste. But I can’t eat it more often than once every few months.”

I offered him a plate, and he sat at the table.

“Why?” he asked.

I lowered myself onto a chair, facing him. “It gives me digestive problems.”

Eddie blushed. “Oh. Sorry.”

“Yeah, let’s not go there. Would you like orange juice?”

“Just water. I’ll have the juice later. You don’t happen to have coffee, hm?”

Shit. Coffee! How could I have forgotten about coffee?

I must have looked horrified because Eddie’s expression softened, and he patted my hand. “Hey. That’s fine. This is a great breakfast, thank you so much.”

“I forgot you drink coffee.”

“There are many things to keep track of when caring for your prey. I’m impressed as it is.”

I opened my mouth, then closed it. Was that what he thought? Eddie spread cream cheese on a ciabatta and took a bite.

“You’re not just any prey.”

He raised his eyebrows, chewing. When he swallowed, he waved his hand. “Forget I said that. You don’t have to explain. I promised I would let you feed from me, and I will. Besides, this is a mutually advantageous deal.” He sounded all casual, but I could see the uneasiness in his eyes and the tension in his shoulders. His gaze wandered around my kitchen restlessly.

“No, Eddie.” I sounded harsher than I’d intended.

He froze, his eyes meeting mine.

“I want you to understand,” I said.