Page 26 of Bride of Death

Becausewow. The flavors are so much better than the cereal I usually munch on in the morning. It even beats the pastries I enjoyed at the palace. “This is really good,” I say around a mouthful, not caring at all that it’s probably impolite.

“You sound surprised,” he murmurs in response.

“I am.”

“Why?” he asks, arching a brow. “You didn’t think an assassin could cook?”

I choke on my food at the term, causing Maliki to push away from the table. I stare at him wide-eyed as he opens the fridge to pull out a pitcher of water that he promptly pours into a glass and hands to me.

I almost don’t accept it, but I need to swallow, so I do.

Then I sputter out the word, “Assassin?”

He grunts. “Would you prefer the termenforcer? That’s a favorite title among the Death Fae.”

I just stare at him.

Which earns me a sigh from theassassin.“I’ve already told you I’m here to protect you, Sera. Obviously, that means I’m not going to hurt you.”

When I don’t reply, he leans back in his chair, his plate as forgotten as mine.

“You don’t need to fear me.”

“I think I do,” I counter. “You’re an assassin who is here toconvinceme to marry the God of Death. What happens when I keep refusing?”

He lifts a shoulder. “Then I’ll probably be punished for failing, and Hades will come up with a new method to persuade you.”

“That sounds ominous,” I say, swallowing.

But Maliki just smiles. “Actually, I think he should be the one explaining himself to you, not me. So it would serve him right to have to change course.”

With another shrug, he leans forward again and resumes eating.

I gape at him.

He ignores me for several minutes, then says, “Oh, and the reason compliments would be bad is because they can be construed as flirting. And Hades is a possessive asshole. So flirting with you would equate to a death sentence. Ergo, no compliments. Now eat your omelet, or I’ll be forced to feed it to you.”

Chapter 7

Maliki

Sera simply continuesto stare at me.

Apparently, I shouldn’t have referred to myself as an assassin. But it’s not like my profession is a secret. I’ve also told her several times that I’m here to protect her, not hurt her.

Though, I certainly wouldn’t mind reddening her skin a bit. Preferably with clamps. And maybe a little wax play.

Hmm.That’s a dangerous thought path to follow. Of course, it’s difficult not to consider it after seeing her in that towel and freshly wet from her shower. Her skin still possessed a hint of pink from the heat of the fire, too, telling me exactly what she would look like after being fucked in my bed.

I thought clothes would help with the attraction.

They didn’t.

This female is alluring, witty, and a tiny bit rebellious. All traits I adore. Except she’s also very much off-limits.

Which marks her as forbidden desire.

I nearly growl in annoyance. Hades told me I could seduce her, but I know him too well to accept that offer. He’ll use it against me in the end.