Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50619 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50619 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
“Scythe. Thank you, brother,” Vex said.
“I figured you were hungry. Text me if you want another couple of plates,” the handsome man said. He didn’t ask questions when Vex reached one hand out instead of two. Scythe stacked the containers on top of each other and set them on Vex’s palm.
“I’ll do that. Angel, this is Scythe,” Vex introduced her.
“Hi, Scythe.” Angel leaned closer to Vex. The delicious aroma coming from those plates was enticing. She pressed a hand to her stomach as it rumbled.
Vex immediately closed the door and led her to the table.
“You shut the door in his face.”
“You’re hungry. I can talk to Scythe later.” Vex pulled out a chair and waved her into it. “I’m going to get the milk. Take a bite.” When she rose out of her seat, he pointed to the refrigerator.
“You can see me the whole time. I promise not to disappear.”
Angel didn’t take her eyes off him. Emotions tumbled within her. This need to have him in her sights…. Her reliance on Vex wasn’t normal, but with him, her fear lessened. Not being scared felt really good.
Vex grabbed a couple of glasses and a gallon jug of milk. “See, I’m still here.”
“Won’t he be mad?” she asked, not helping herself to anything because that would be rude.
“Won’t who be mad?” Vex asked as he sat in the chair next to her. He leveled a look at her as he removed the cover on the first plate.
Angel leaned in close to inhale, and her mouth watered. “Scythe. Did he prepare this?”
“Probably. He’s an incredible cook. His Little girl says he’s the best, but she’s biased. Scythe won’t be pissed. He understands. Now, eat.”
Vex handed her a hot dog with mustard and relish. Angel hadn’t eaten junk food in years. As hungry as she was, she would have eaten a shoe with toppings on it. Taking a bite, she moaned as the smoky, greasy flavor spread through her mouth along with the tang of the mustard and the sweetness of the relish. “This is so good.” She took several more chomps as fast as she could chew.
“Slow down, Baby Girl. You’re going to choke.”
The Ravagers had given her barely edible food—soggy, molding bread and mystery meat. She’d forced herself to endure what she could and worried with each bite that they’d done something horrendous to the ingredients. Eventually, she’d decided ultimately it didn’t matter what they did. She needed to eat to survive.
She peeked up and noted Vex’s worried expression. Dropping her gaze to her last morsel of hot dog, Angel realized she had grease on her chin. He must think she was an absolute pig. She hadn’t even put a napkin on her lap or set the bun down between bites.
“Sorry.” Angel forced herself to drop the small remaining section on the plate he’d placed in front of her when all she wanted was to shove that last bit in her mouth. She slid the napkin off the table and scrubbed at her face, as the food churned in her stomach.
“Whoa, Baby girl.” Vex grabbed her hand and held it. “Look at me.”
She tried to resist his order, but his gaze burned into her. Slowly, she lifted her chin. “I apologize. I have much better manners.”
“Fuck manners!” he barked. When she jumped, he added, “Sorry, Baby girl. I shouldn’t have raised my voice.”
He squeezed her hand and said in a gentler voice, “I’m only concerned about you choking, Angel. I know you’re starving. Come here. Let me help you.”
Vex quickly adjusted their chairs and plucked her out of her seat and onto his lap. “Take a drink for me.” He raised her glass of milk to her lips and held it for her.
After setting the beverage down, Vex tugged her plate over in front of him and picked up the last of her hot dog. “Finish this for me, sweet girl.”
Angel opened her mouth and followed his directions. As she chewed, he took a bite from his dish. He made a funny face and combined the two plates together. Picking up his fork, Vex loaded some potato salad on the prongs and lifted the concoction to her lips. “I don’t have anything you can catch, Baby girl, except for a bad attitude.”
She opened her mouth automatically when he fed her again. The delicious, creamy flavor spread through her mouth as she ate. Swallowing, she said, “That’s incredible. Homemade.”
“Probably Scythe’s grandmother’s recipe. His Little girl, Winnie, loves it.” Vex tried the salad and nodded. “Totally Scythe’s.”
When she looked at the common fork he used, Vex asked, “Are you against sharing?”
“No. I’m healthy, too. It’s….” Angel searched for a good explanation. “Intimate?”
“Are you opposed to intimate?” he asked, feeding her another bite.
She welcomed the opportunity to think of a suitable response as she chewed. How should she answer that? Finally she chose honesty, and she whispered, “No. I mean, you’ve seen me naked. We haven’t even kissed.”