Page 35 of Eat. Prey. Love.
“Fine, Baby Girl. I’ll leave her processed hide in place… for now. But if she lays a single finger on you outside of practice, all bets are off. Got it?” My expression is as stern as I can make it because I’m fucking serious about this shit. I refuse to allow a repeat of the first year where those girls tortured her for no goddamn reason.
Felix leans in to press his nose against hers, blocking my view as he growls, “Your King says that’s fair.”
Chess snorts, leaning into my side as he mumbles, “There are three kings in this place. Who said you’re the top cat?”
“No one,” the dragon says, his voice tinged with amusement as he and Ren enter the living area. “The Raj is sorely mistaken if he thinks he’s the one calling all the shots.”
“Indeed,” the gargoyle drawls as he flops onto the special chair his crew of rodents procured. It allows him to drape over the furniture in his favorite style and for a second, I ponder finding minions of my own. Those little prey shits are very useful and maybe I’ve slacked off on building an empire for myself.
“Excuse me,” our girl says as she puts her hands on her hips. “The Queen has not consented to marry anyone, so none of your bullshit posturing counts. My rule is solo and you’re all my royal courtesans.”
My twin opens his mouth to argue and I put my hand over it quickly. “Don’t argue with her you idiot. She’s saying we’re her sex bots and who the fuck wants to argue with that shit?”
His eyes widen and I feel the smirk under my palm. “You’re right, bro. Being her courtesans soundsmuchmore fun than politics.”
“And it will be, but tonight, I’m so fucking sore that I want to die,” she admits. “I’m hungry, sore, and I have two chapters of the stupid Theater History book to read because the big guy distracted me at lunch.”
I snarl as my eyes narrow. “You what? No fair, Spicy Chameleon!”
Aubrey chuckles, shaking his head. “Not distracted inthatway, though I’d be happy to do so anytime, snack size.”
Pouting a bit for effect, I look at our girl. “Is that true, Baby Girl? No hanky panky for big and cranky?”
She holds up her hand like a Pred Scout, eyes wide. “I swear, Fitzy. We just talked about my classes and stuff. He didn’t get a single article of clothing off. In fact, not one of you has today, which definitely disappoints me as much as you.”
“Okay, good girl. Then Chessie is getting on dinner, and we’re going to help you ease those sore muscles while you work. Frenchie, draw her a bath fit for a Queen after we finish eating. And I’ll read you the chapter, then my stuffy brother will feed you dessert while Spicysaurus Rex gives you a massage. How does that sound?”
Her eyes turn into saucers and the shiver that runs through her makes my dick strain. “Yes. Yes, yes, yes,fuck yes.”
I groan, tipping my head back as I squeeze my eyes shut. “None of that, bad girl, or we’ll lose all ability to follow the Queen’s rules.”
Not that I have great hopes for it, anyway.
“Holy fucking shit Chessie,”Dolly groans as she pats her food rounded belly. “That was so good I might marry it instead of you clowns.”
My cheetah flushes happily and I lean in to kiss him before he gets too flustered. “You did good, baby.”
Felix tosses back the end of his bourbon, wiping his mouth with the napkin and sighs happily. His eyes are fond as he looks at the wholetable of full preds. The happiness in his expression comes from knowing his chosen ambush is well taken care of and it’s one I hadn’t seen in years until our girl hopped in our life. “Chess, buddy, you are turning into the best chef I know. You spoil the shit out of us.”
“C’est vrai, mon ami,” Renard says as he leans back. “I’m impressed with how well you’re learning as well. You could open your own restaurant eventually, I believe.”
Chessie turns even redder, ducking his head, and Baby Girl tugs him over into her arms. “Your part in my relaxing evening was amazing, my knight. Thank you.”
“Anything for you, Angel,” he murmurs softly as their foreheads touch. “But I’m also pleased that the others like it as well. It makes me feel important.”
I snort, squishing them together as I press into his back. “Baby, you’re important in more ways than I can count. You keep us all functioning, especially me. Between organizing and food and snuggles, you’re the backbone of our little family.”
“Indeed, he is,” Aubrey interjects. “Chester, without you, we’d be sitting on the floor with takeout right now.”
“The Captain and his crew?—”
“Oh, don’t be modest, Chessie. You directed the mayhem.” Dolly beams as she pulls back and looks around. “The rest of you are up to bat. I was promised a lovely bath, a massage, help reading, and desserts. Chop, chop.”
Ren leaps up from his seat, walking over to take her hand and kiss it. “As you wish,ma magnifique reine. I’m off to create a beautiful, relaxing scene for you to absorb your history lesson in.”
Cheating fancy pants Frenchie, I fucking swear.
Dolly melts a little and Aubrey snorts, shaking his head. “Such a fucking cheater. He knows what that does to everyone.”