Page 87 of Kings & Queen

I waited a minute and let him turn his back to me as he continued working, once again mumbling in French.

“Umm, Chef, where—”

“Girl, I promise you are skating on ice so thin right now. I’ll have Tully get you some. But that is it.” The girl ran off and returned a few minutes later with the bottle. “She didn’t need the whole thing, you silly nitwit.” He shook his head.

I mouthed “Thank you” and got busy.

It didn’t take me long, and after adding the final ingredients, I checked the clock on the wall. I had time to ice my bits, shower, and get ready for the evening, so I dished the mousse into small glass bowls and covered them. Then I grabbed a baggie, filled it with ice, and turned to Chef Bonfils.

“Merci, Chef,” I said, surprising him with a side hug. Steam nearly erupted from his ears, and his assistant tried not to laugh.

“Allez, dégage,” he huffed, straightening his apron before shooing me out of his kitchen.Go, go away.

“C’est gentil de m’aider,” I called over my shoulder, laughing at the look on his face.Thanks for your help.

Giddiness bubbled through my veins as I dashed to my room and took out the pen and paper I had borrowed from the library. Between icing my bits, I wrote out some clues. The Crow was going to have to work at getting some lovin’ tonight. Once my timer went off, I hustled my butt into gear.

Opening my door, I went in search of assistance. “Renee,” I exclaimed, running over to her. “I could use your help.”

“What did you need?” She grinned, and I glanced over my shoulder.

“Okay, so Nik should probably be here around five thirty-ish, and well, I want to do a scavenger hunt with him,” I said, blushing.

“And you need my help?” A mischievous grin tipped her lips.

“I really do, but just at the beginning. If he asks where I am, let him know I’m in my room. I think he’ll look for me there first, but he may not. Of course, I won’t be there, but his first clue will be.”

She laughed. “Sounds good, and like a lot of fun.”

“I hope it will be. Do you know which room is Nik’s from when he was younger?”

“This way,” she said with a shake of her head. She probably thought me mad, but I didn’t care.

I squealed, feeling light and carefree. After she showed me where his room was, I placed the clues around the house and then went back to set up in his bedroom.I couldn’t help but feel happy as I looked around his old room. It smelled like him, and little trinkets and things from when he was younger decorated the large space. On the dresser sat a picture. Drawn to it, I picked it up and chuckled.

The original members of the Death Squad stood looking far too confident and cocky. They couldn’t have been over eighteen. A cross between teenagers and adults. It was fascinating to see them this way, and I wondered when he had last slept here. I set it back and turned to the bed.

Renee had given me extra sheets, and I tied one to each of the four bedposts. The sheets were silk, and I shivered, thinking about how they were going to feel. I bathed and oiled my body so I was soft to the touch. Then placed candles all around his room and put music on a loop. With all that done, I picked up my phone and dialed him.

“Malyshka, is everything okay?” he answered on the second ring.

“Yes. I was wondering if you got my email?” I posed the question, hearing the nervous edge in my tone.

“I did. Today’s been wild, so I haven’t had time to look at it, but I will when I get to the car. We can talk about it over dinner. I want to go over rules with you so you understand expectations. I’m on my way to you now.”

“Okay,” I said, purposefully keeping my voice nervous and quiet.

“Kinsley, baby, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, really. I guess I’ll see you when you get here, then. I might check out one of your father’s books while I wait. See you soon,” I said, hanging up.

I tied each of my ankles to the bottom two sheets, spreading my legs wide. Using a piece of cloth, I fashioned a blindfold and tied it over my eyes. Then I wrapped my wrists with the other two sheets, positioned them at the top of the bed, and waited.

I had strategically placed clues around the house in hopes he was in the mood to play. Lying there in the dark, I listened to the music playing in the background.

Would he like seeing me this way—naked and tied to his bed? My mind raced with dirty thoughts and what he might do to me tonight. The anticipation was sweet, and I allowed my imagination to run wild.

Chapter 37