Page 22 of His Ruthless Match (Below #3)

He went to the bookshelf and pulled out a book on gears and motors. “For example, did you know gears are the oldest machine part? They date back to the third century B.C.. Greek mechanics in Alexandria invented them.”

I blinked at him in surprise. “Uh, no. I didn’t know that.”

He flipped through the book, showing me intricate drawings and diagrams. “They revolutionized warfare, transportation, everything. This one here”—he pointed to an image—“was part of an ancient weapon system. Brilliant, really.”

This side of Jareth—thoughtful, curious, and, dare I say it, intelligent—was unexpected. It made it harder to keep him in the “infuriating asshole” box I’d mentally shoved him into.

The sounds of clanging and banging from the kitchen grew louder.

“Your dinner’s almost ready!” Grelth called out.

Jareth closed the book. “Told you he’s adorable when he’s excited.”

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto my face. Maybe this dinner wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Jareth placed the book about gears onto the bookshelf. “After you.”

Curiosity lit in me as he gestured toward the dining room. His behavior tonight was… off. Polished, even. It put me on edge.

Stepping into the dining room, my breath caught in my throat.

The table, made of weathered wood, was long and sturdy.

A feast covered every inch of its surface: perfectly seared steaks, roasted vegetables glistening with oil, steaming golden rolls, and a decadent salad adorned with ruby-red pomegranate seeds.

Grelth stood at the head of the table, his white apron pristine and a towel draped over his arm, a bottle of wine in hand. He looked both smug and weary, like a reluctant host pulling off a grand dinner party.

It was ridiculous. And hilarious. I pressed my lips together to hide my amusement.

The last thing I wanted was to offend him, though I couldn’t explain why I cared.

I hated most magical creatures on principle, and Grelth was easily the ugliest one I’d ever encountered.

Yet, his sassy demeanor and sharp tongue had grown on me in a really short time.

Jareth pulled out a chair for me, his movements surprisingly fluid and gentlemanly. I stared at him in bewilderment as I sat down. When did he get manners?

“Cabernet sauvignon,” Grelth announced as he poured the deep red liquid into our glasses. “Master Grelth hopes you enjoy it. It pairs nicely with the steak.”

“Thank you,” I said politely, swirling the glass before taking a cautious sip. The aroma alone was intoxicating—dark berries, a hint of vanilla, and spice. When the taste hit my tongue, it was rich and velvety, the best wine I’d had in years.

Jareth raised his glass in an exaggerated toast. “Cheers to good wine and even better company.”

I ignored him.

Grelth served the plates with a flourish before heading back toward the kitchen.

“Aren’t you joining us?” I asked.

Grelth paused, his face twisting into something akin to disdain as he glanced at Jareth. “I don’t know. Am I, Master Jareth?”

Jareth’s jaw tightened. He looked like he was about to deny the request, but then his gaze shifted to me. My expression must have said it all because he sighed. “Fine. Grab yourself a plate.”

Grelth smirked and shuffled back into the kitchen. A moment later, he returned, loaded his plate to near breaking, and plopped down at the head of the table. His smugness was palpable.

For a while, the only sound was the clinking of silverware and the occasional hum of appreciation.

The food was incredible—perfectly seasoned, cooked to perfection, and better than any overpriced meal I’d had in Manhattan.

I was so hungry I didn’t care about table etiquette, and by the looks of it, neither did Jareth nor Grelth.

Eventually, I broke the silence. “So, Grelth,” I began, setting down my fork. “What do you do for Jareth?”

Jareth stiffened. “Eva?—”

Grelth cut him off with a dramatic sigh. “Where to start? I cook. I clean. I do his laundry. Yardwork. Ward maintenance. I arrange his appointments, I order his groceries?—”

“I think she gets it,” Jareth interjected, looking thoroughly uncomfortable.

I grinned. “You know, I really despise men who can’t take care of themselves.”

Grelth nodded solemnly. “As you should, Miss Eva.”

“Hey, you guys know I’m sitting right here, right?” Jareth said incredulously, his hands raised in mock surrender.

Ignoring him, I continued, “Forget flowers or expensive jewelry. Give me a man who fills my fridge, cooks a good meal, cleans the house, and runs me a hot bath.”

Grelth nodded again, clearly enjoying the conversation.

Jareth groaned, leaning back in his chair. “For the record, I can do all those things. I choose not to. My schedule is too busy, and I have the means to pay someone else. What’s so wrong with that?”

I shrugged. “You do you, Jareth.” I turned my attention back to Grelth. “So, how did you end up working for Jareth?”

Jareth groaned again and buried his face in his hands. “Here we go.”

Grelth launched into his story with relish. “I once served a powerful fae lord,” he began dramatically, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Centuries of tireless service. And do you know how I was repaid? With gross underappreciation.”

“Is that so?” I asked, intrigued.

“Oh, yes. I insulted him one too many times, and he had the audacity to kick me out. Me. ”

I stifled a grin. “So you retired?”

“More like relocated,” Grelth said with a dismissive wave. “I ended up on the opposite side of The Below and found myself in a seedy gambling den one night. That’s where I met dear Jareth.”

Jareth was rubbing his temples now. “Don’t?—”

Grelth smirked. “He was drunk. Sloppy drunk. Challenged me to a game of cards and lost spectacularly. Then he had the nerve to offer me a job.”

“And you accepted?” I asked.

Grelth’s expression turned wry. “Boredom and pity, Miss Eva. Boredom and pity.”

I burst out laughing. “I like you, Grelth.”

“I like you, too, Miss Eva,” he said with a small bow. “You’re far too interesting to be wasting your time with this one.”

“Hey!” Jareth glared at him, then stood abruptly. “I think I’ve had enough of this small talk. Eva, would you like to take a walk down the beach?”

The sudden question caught me off guard. “Uh…sure.”

He seemed to catch himself, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. “You know, since you’re trapped in that gods-awful city day in and day out.”

“Right,” I said, amused. I smiled at Grelth. “Thank you for the wonderful meal.”

“My pleasure, Miss Eva,” he said with a bow.

I followed Jareth out the front door, wondering why I felt so at ease here—and with Jareth of all people.