~ Chapter Eleven ~ #2
Regan studied Lutin for a moment. “I think you know, I don’t mind your real appearance.” His cheeks warmed. “I even like your antlers.”
Lutin’s cheeks brightened as hints of a smile danced on his lips. “Still. I wanted to ask.”
“What did you order?” Regan asked as he started to pull dishes from the cabinet and grab utensils from the drawer.
Lutin pulled boxes from the bags. “I was thinking about getting us something from my home, but then I figured I’d save that for another time. Tonight I ordered Thai food from this place I know near Willow Glenn. It’s quite good. Do you like Thai?”
Regan nodded. “Definitely, but I don’t typically order those types of things because I’m so far out and I don’t like when the food is cold.”
“That won’t be an issue.” Lutin opened a steaming box of what appeared to be fried rice.
“Please tell me you ordered pineapple fried rice?”
“And chicken and beef satay, and Pad Thai, as well as yellow curry and red curry.” A frown crossed his lips. “I might have ordered too much.”
Regan laughed. “Well, we’re definitely spoiled for choice.”
“It all sounded good and I’m quite hungry.” Lutin pulled over a plate and started dishing out the food. “Do you like everything?”
“Please.” Regan’s brows were raised and a smile tugged at his cheeks as he picked up his plate.
As Regan and Lutin sat at the dining table, Regan peeked down at his empty plate.
He hadn’t enjoyed a meal that much in a long time and he hadn’t had Thai in much too long.
Lutin wasn’t lying when he said he was hungry—the man…
the Fae could eat. He thought maybe there might be a lot of food left over but to his surprise there was only some Pad Thai and pineapple fried rice. The curries and the satay were gone.
“I can’t believe we ate all that.” Regan wiped his mouth and placed his napkin on the table next to his plate.
“Us? You mean me. I feel like a damn pig.” Lutin glanced at his empty plate.
“And I could probably finish off the Pad Thai, but I think I’m going to stop.
I don’t need to overdo, but the food really did help.
I haven’t had a real meal in a couple of days—we didn’t really get to eat much while we were dealing with things. ”
Regan picked up their plates and took them into the kitchen, then ran them under some water before putting them in the dishwasher. When he turned around, he saw Lutin near him, closing up the containers. “Where do you want the rubbish?”
“Here.” Regan opened a cabinet with three different bins. “Middle bin.”
Regan closed the dishwasher, then turned and faced Lutin to see him eyeing him.
A slight sparkle from his antlers caught his gaze.
Before he could speak, Lutin leaned in and kissed Regan.
The moment started off soft and gentle, but as they continued their embrace, passion took them both over.
The kiss became harder and deeper. Their tongues danced as their bodies crushed together.
Lutin’s arms embraced Regan as he did the same.
Regan squeezed them closer together as a grimace escaped Lutin.
Regan stopped at once and stepped to the side. “I’m sorry. You’re still hurt.” He leaned away, not making eye contact.
“Hey.” Lutin reached out, taking Regan’s arm. “Don’t pull away. Yes, I’m a bit sore and you hit a tender spot, but I’m fine. More than fine. I can’t tell you how much I wanted to kiss you. I mean, really kiss you.”
“But I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Regan, it’s okay. I’m a little sore, but you can’t hurt me—not in the way you’re thinking.”
“Well, maybe not, but I wouldn’t be able to relax.”
“Fair.” Lutin kissed Regan’s hand. “Can we sit down, or do you want me to leave?”
“No. I mean, yes, we can talk.”
The two moved to the living room and sat on the sofa.
Regan cleared his throat. “What was the fight like? I mean, what happened? Clearly there was nothing about the event on the news.”
Lutin glanced at the ceiling. “There wouldn’t be anything in the human news. Basically there was a rally and some of the Trolls got out of hand, hurting folks. The Witch council knew they would need some help so they contacted Blaise and he called me.”
“But aren’t there Fae out there who can help? I mean, that’s all the way back east.”
“Yes, but Blaise and I are two of the more powerful freelance Fae around and the council wanted this handled quickly and quietly. They didn’t want another January 6th on their hands.”
“Wait… that… no.” He had to have heard that incorrectly.
Lutin made the gesture of zipping his lips.
“Anyway, the rally was pretty easy to handle. Getting the Trolls under control took some doing. The council didn’t want to request any additional support.
” He shrugged. “We were able to handle it though. Once everyone was calmed down, the Witch council took over. I don’t know how Max and his folks handled all these situations. Such a pain in the ass.”
“You never had to do that before?”
“Sure. But I had Max, and when his folks were around, they were there as well. Now with me being freelance, Blaise was able to request me. If I was still tied to Max, the request would’ve been formal. It’s a process.”
“With you being freelance, what would have happened if you didn’t go?”
Lutin shrugged. “Nothing. Well, nothing much—Blaise would have gotten someone else. There might have been an inquest, which is a hassle. Anyway, we work well together so I went.”
“That sounds crazy.”
“Welcome to the wonderful world of magic.” Lutin leaned back, facing the ceiling always seeming mindful of his antlers. “You know, when we met, I didn’t think I’d like you. Max always said he thought we would get along, but that first day…” He laughed.
“Do you think Max knew something we didn’t?”
“Most definitely.” Lutin beamed. “Max was a brilliant and powerful Witch, stronger than either of his parents.”
Regan fell silent and looked out the window.
Lutin reached over and placed a hand on Regan’s leg. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You didn’t.” Regan smiled. “I think you’re right. I believe Max knew a lot more than he ever let on, and I feel he’d be happy to see us… like this…”