Page 216 of Cursed Evermore

“Most people like fruity or spicy things. That's hardly specific to me.”

His brows climbed higher, and something like approval flickered across his face at the challenge in my tone. “You like strawberries. Not freshly picked. You like them the day afterbecause you think the sweetness is just right. You also like sweet cinnamon bark, ground almost fine so you can taste the richer flavor. Anything smaller than that is lost on you.”

My breath caught in my throat, and something warm and startling unfurled in my belly. He'd been paying attention to me.Closeattention to my quirks and tiny preferences I didn't even realize I had. It felt like being seen in a way that made me want to hide and lean closer all at once.

Heat flooded my cheeks as I stared at him. How many small, intimate details had he catalogued without me realizing? How had he noticed things others I'd known all my life had barely paid attention to?

The thought thrilled me. Like some part of me had been waiting my entire life to be known like this.

“Impressed?” He grinned, resting his arms on the table.

“Very. How in the hells did you... know all that about me?”

“You're mine. I'm supposed to know everything about you.” He said that as simply as if the answer were obvious.

“Is that so?”

“Indeed, my Lady.”

“So, what are you ordering?” I bit back a smile, liking this version of us way too much.

Wolfe lifted two fingers to summon the server, his gaze never leaving mine until she approached. “My Lady will have an Emberkiss Draught, and I'll have the Duskmire wine.”

“Of course, my Lord. I shan't be a moment.” She dipped her head and sauntered away.

“What's in the Emberkiss Draught?” I asked. It sounded interesting.

A sly smirk tugged at Wolfe's lips. “It's made of fire fruit, which tastes like strawberries. Those are soaked in spiced glimmerwine with a sliver of shadowroot for warmth, cinnamonpetal oil, and a drop of phoenix bloom syrup. It sounds like a lot, but trust me, you'll like it.”

I arched a brow. “Sounds like a drink meant to get a girl in trouble.”

“Only the kind she wants.” His voice dipped low and edged with something that hooked straight behind my ribs.

My body warmed rapidly, as if he'd just lit a match under my skin. I offered an easy smile, though I feared I was about to be set on fire.

The server returned, saving me from myself. She set my drink down first, then Wolfe's in the space before him. Both drinks were in wide-mouthed beige ceramic mugs with flowers engraved on the handle.

“Do you need anything else?” the server asked.

“Bring us a jug of pumpkin ale in half an hour.”

“Of course, my Lord.” The server backed away graciously, leaving us to enjoy our drinks, which smelled amazing.

“I love pumpkin ale.” I beamed, resting on my elbows.

“This one is made with gingerbread spices and Northern Seas rum.”

“Sounds delicious.”

“It is, but strong, so we'll share it. I need you sober.”

“Believe me, I don't plan to be drunk around you again.”

Wolfe chuckled lightly and lifted his chin toward my mug. “Go on, taste the Emberkiss Draught and tell me what you think.”

I picked up the mug and inhaled the scent. A rich fruity aroma made my mouth water even though I hadn't even tasted it.

I lifted the mug to my lips, Wolfe watching me as I took a sip. The drink barely touched my tongue before its delicious sweetness had me under its spell.