Page 244 of Bitten & Burned

“How do you know it’s a ledger?” I asked.

Quil gave me a flat, sardonic look. “Because it’s always ledgers, Rowena. That’s all people keep—lists of debts, florins, gold, silver, whatever-the-fuck currency they’re hoarding.”

“If it’s Elder Norlese, it would be Druvenvolt coins,” I corrected. “Druvenvolt’s an old tree, nearly gone now because of deforestation, but they used to carve?—”

“Yes, I know what Druvenvolt is,” Quil cut in. “I’ve known Dmitri, and the handle of his axe is made from the stuff. Now let’s get your snacks before you start giving me a full lecture.”

“I’d quite like the lecture, actually,” Vael said.

“Snacks first. Sapiophilia later,” Quil retorted.

“Later works for me,” Vael said smoothly. “Anticipation is half the pleasure.”

I rolled my eyes, stomach growling in protest. “Alright, you two—enough. I’m actually hungry, so let’s go get snacks before I starve.”

“Good plan. Sugar rush, then old ledgers,” Quil said.

“Old ledgers after washing my hands. I don’t want to get chocolate on the Elder Norlese manuscript,” I added.

“Ohgodsno, what would everyone think?” Quil drawled.

Vael rolled his eyes. “I would love to hear your thoughts once you’ve read it.”

“Oh, try and stop me from giving you my thoughts,” I said with a little laugh.

Quil slipped his arm around me and steered me to the kitchen. “Come on, you said you were starving.”

I could smell the kitchen long before we got there, and it made me want to hurry in, but I knew that today, I wouldn’t be able to handle such a pace. Instead, I steadily made my way there.

“Darling, come now, why did Quil force you to walk all theway here? I would have come to you!” Anton gushed, rushing to my side.

“Anton, I know you’re looking out for me, but the cane is so Icanwalk. Not so I have to remain chairbound.”

“I know, but I would serve you no matter what…”

“I know you would, Anton,” I murmured as I tugged him closer, pressing a kiss to his jaw. “Now, Quil says you have my favorite?”

“Mmmhmm, indeed I do…” He found my lips and kissed them softly. “I also have pain au chocolat.”

Quil groaned behind me.

I grinned and took a seat at the counter, resting my cane against the chair’s leg.

He brought over a plate with not just pain au chocolat but also some little miniature crepe suzettes (complete with mini flambe) and mille feuilles.

“My, but you’ve been busy,” I crooned, pulling him down for another kiss.

“Yes. Now eat up, darling.”

“You’re going to make me fat,” I grumbled.

“Good. If that is what your body needs, that is what I will give you,” Anton countered.

Quil nudged my shoulder with his. “You think I won’t still absolutely devour you if you put on a little weight?”

“If I keep eating buttery pastries and sugar all day, I’m going to put on more than a little weight.”

Quil rolled his eyes. “I’m with Anton. You’ll put on what you need to, and then you’ll be content. Finally.”