Page 68 of Serpent In White

“Great sermon today, brother,” Drake’s cool voice slithers beside Darian’s ear, and he straightens, the amusement falling from his lips, though he’s clearly trying to remain aloof.

Then Drake’s eyes move to me, and I swallow hard, remembering that same large hand stroking our cocks together. He quirks a brow in my direction, and I have no choice but to force my gaze to my shoes before I combust where I stand.

“Hello, Abdiel Harmony,” Drake speaks calmly, a baritone of erotic sound.

It zips a chill up my spine, and while I’d prefer not to look at him again, I have to be polite and act normal, since Kinsey’s here watching this entire interaction go down.

My eyes connect with his for the first time since I left his office that day, dripping in sexual gratification coated with shame, and I murmur, “Hi.”

“Lovely to see you again.” Drake’s eyes skate the length of my body, subtly enough that Kinsey probably doesn’t notice. But Darian definitely does.

And there’s a moment of sheer wrath in the Head Priest’s eyes, which he turns on his brother. Drake simply winks at him, and Darian appears to be seething.

My throat is so dry I can barely swallow.This is so awkward.

“Well, we should be heading off.” Darian’s repose returns as he forces a smile for Kinsey. Then he aims his shimmering gaze on mine once more. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight, young servant.”

I’m unable to keep the needy smile off my face as I nod, watching Drake’s eyes sizzle while they both wander away. And I can finallybreatheagain.

Peeking at Kinsey, I hope she won’t remark on the obvious tension.

She simply locks her arm with mine. “The Alchemist… wow. I don’t think I’ve ever heard his voice before. It’s uber sexy.”

I can do nothing more than chuckle and shake my head as we leave the temple, heading back toward housing.

Yes… it certainly is.

I’m pleased to be able to cook tonight, and not just because I want to impress my crush.

I love cooking. It relaxes me. I know we’ve established that I live to serve and make people happy, but I also truly enjoy creating things made to nourish my family. Cooking is taking the ingredients, gifts from Mother, and turning them into something exquisite and fully necessary.

In thinking about my future, of course my love of cooking came up first. But there isn’t exactly a career to be made of that on the Expanse. I suppose I could be Head Priest’s personal chef, but that’s only assuming nothing ever happens again between us, a brutally devastating thought.

And one I don’t think will be accurate, since the moment he sets foot into the dining room tonight, his eyes are on me and no one else. As forbidden as it is for us to keep this going, I can’t ignore the elation that simmers in my blood at the thought of capturing the most unattainable man of all.

Head Priest of The Principality, Darian King, wantsme. It’s almost unbelievable.

A second round of drinks are poured, salads finished and spirits lively as I bring out the first plate of dinner to Darian. Setting it in front of him, I’m ready to scurry away quick, in an attempt to hide my nerves, but his voice stops me where I stand.

“What do we have tonight?”

When I turn my eyes on his, he’s wearing a look of interest, waiting patiently to hear what I’m serving him.

Swallowing to help steady my rapping pulse, I stand up straight. “It’s a roast pork loin with blueberry balsamic glaze and um… asparagus.” My voice trails under the intensity of his gaze.

“Mmm… sounds delicious.” His brow lifts. “And what’s this?” He motions to the side I forgot to mention.

“Quinoa.” I blink at his beautiful, attentive face. “With raisins and fresh goat cheese.”

Darian looks wildly impressed. “And you made all of this, young servant?”

“Yes.” I nod, then correct myself. “Yes, sir.”

“That’s marvelous.” He grins, just for me. It lights up the world around me. “I can’t wait to taste it.”

“Enjoy,” I whisper, unable to keep from tugging my lower lip between my teeth.

A slam interrupts my swooning and everyone’s eyes dart in the direction of the doorway as Drake saunters in, oozing his usual confident indifference, as if he’s not fifteen minutes late and disrupting Head Priest’s dinner service. He plops down in his seat, a wide smile forming on his lips, aimed right at me and his brother.