She wrapped her arms around his waist since she couldn’t ’port. Zayn grasped the other end of the tub, and the three of them shimmered and disappeared.
“I can’t believe my brother actually left me alone with you.” What a surprise.
“I’m driven to see to your welfare. He knows that.”
“Well, welfare aside, thank you. For a released mate, you’ve gone way beyond your duty. I think I’ll take a breather like Belle did.” I headed for the door. “Cooking always helps.”
Guy followed, his gaze passing over the passageway’s walls of textured silvery-white. The ceiling here was twice his height and held silver filaments inlaid into the corner plaster scrolling. “What are we cooking?”
“Lunch.” My heart did a little happy dance he was here, but I should give him an out. “You don’t have to stay.”
“It’s expected, and I want to.”
“You do? Because expectation aside, I’d understand.”
He snagged my hand as he caught up. “I’m staying.”
Grinning, I tugged him around the corner and into my cozy kitchen. I lifted my arms with a flourish. “What do you think?”
“It looks totally out of place.”
“I know, but I happen to like the conveniences of Earth.” In the top red drawer, I found a white chef’s apron. After slinging it over his head, I tied it off at the back. My happy place was back to being my happy place.
“Why am I wearing this?”
“It’ll do since I don’t have a jacket to give you.”
“Why would I need a jacket?”
“To cover your chest.” At least this apron kind of hid some of his impressive chest.
“That’s what my shirt is for.” His confused frown was so cute.
“It doesn’t do a good enough job. You also look sharp in this apron. I wish I still had the chef’s hat. Silas bought it for me as a gag gift, but I still love it.”
“I’m not wearing a hat.”
“Spoilsport.” I skipped to the fridge. “This kitchen is almost identical to the one I had on Earth. I used to live close to Faith, but since she found out about Magio and her parentage, Carlisio sold the place. Do you have a modern kitchen at the station?” Our people didn’t harbor technology as those on Earth did. We had no high-rises or cities of concrete here. No smoggy pollution either, which was probably why we lived easily to one-hundred and twenty.
“In the homestead, yes, but I’m only there half the time. The warriors’ lodgings in Dralion though are well-equipped, what with travel being open to us.” Guy wandered around my kitchen, skirting his finger along the edge of the bright red countertop as he made his way to the window. He scanned the area outside. “I can’t believe I’m here. Peacio’s fortress.”
“You see anything out there that worries you?” I turned on the tap and washed my hands. “Apart from the garden? You’ve gotta watch those herbs. They’ll attack at a moment’s notice, shooting mint and chives everywhere.”
“Cheeky.” He swatted my bottom. “I’m simply making certain I can’t be seen.”
“No one would harm you if you’re with me.” I nudged him to wash his hands.
“Well, there’s a bonus to having a mate reside in the enemy’s home.” He scrubbed his hands. “What are we making for lunch?”
“Fresh jelly donuts with jam and cream. I feel like something sweet.”
“Mmm, my mother used to make fresh bread each morning. I love the aroma which infuses the air. It’s always been a favorite of mine.”
“I wish I could have met your mother.” I pulled out what I needed from the pantry and fridge. “It’s been ages since someone cooked with me. Everyone’s always so busy these days. We’ll make two batches, one of long donuts, and the other round. Faith and Hope like the ringed ones with the colored icing.” I dug out two bowls and passed one to Guy. “You’re in charge of the girls’ favorite.”
“No problem.” He plunked his bowl on the counter. “Show me what to do.”
From the overhead shelf, I snagged the recipe book then flicked it to the correct page. “It’s all very easy. The key with making fresh bread is not to forget the yeast, to knead well and to allow the dough to rise.”
“I can’t believe I’m making donuts. In Loveria Castle. Donaldo would throw me in the dungeons if he saw this.”
“Then it’s just as well your king can’t see you.” I scooped flour into a sieve and held it over his bowl. “Here. Take over and get shaking.”
“Get slaying would be better.” His side sword was hidden under his apron, but still within easy reach.
“They’ll be no blood shed in my kitchen.”
“No, there’s donut making instead.”
I added a pinch of salt as he sifted, and then tapped the recipe. “Keep your eyes on the prize. I want to see some magic performed. You’re an enchanter after all.”