65. Violette
VIOLETTE
Azrael huffs a laugh, giving me a sad smile before turning to open the oven.
He pulls out a masterfully decorated and seasoned roast and sets it on a folded hand towel waiting on Gideon’s wood countertop.
The spread he’s got going is enough for a feast, and I am quite literally salivating at the sight and garlicky scent of it.
“Who’s hungry?’
I silently raise my hand, and I don’t think I’ve seen a more genuine smile on his face before. Something about it nourishes my soul.
My gaze shifts to Levi, who turns towards me, a question in his eyes as his voice lowers so that only I can hear him.
“I need to speak with Gideon about disappearing for a week or two. Responsibilities and whatnot. I assume you wanna talk to Azrael about us going on a trip together?”
I internally wince.
Or perhaps externally, because Levi’s eyes narrow, displeasure creasing his features.
Right. Time to rip this off like a blood-crusted bandage.
“Sooooo, about that... I was thinking Azrael could join us.”
Levi blinks.
His expression is jarringly blank. Like that of someone who’s about moments away from snapping and wreaking carnage.
Heaving a long-suffering sigh, I tug him towards the door and shove—or attempt to shove, because he’s a fucking stone giant of a man, but he allows me to guide him out onto Gideon’s porch.
I can feel everyone’s eyes on our backs until the front door closes behind us.
“First and foremost,” I raise my hand to show the faint pink scar across my palm that, until the bargain is complete, will serve as a reminder, “I am obligated to fulfill my vow to him in allowing his courtship of me. So I can’t just abandon him.”
Levi glares at the scar as if he has the power to eliminate it by will alone before his gaze returns to mine.
“Secondly, you haven’t proven anything to me yet other than the fact that you’re possessive, have a death wish, and are proficient in providing oral and manual stimulation.”
Levi’s jaw flexes so hard I expect to hear his teeth squeak in protest.
“Thirdly, Azrael didn’t need to see me with another male to decide I was worth his time and energy. And he didn’t even need a soulbond to inspire him. You, on the other hand, had all of that and more, and decided you’d rather throw it away.”
My temper is getting away from me. I snap my jaw shut and breathe deep. Lest I set him ablaze.
“So, yes. Azrael will be joining us. Not to mention, you’re planning to kill someone. Someone who might actually fight back. Some might think it prudent to have an ally like the God of Death in such circumstances.”
Levi’s broad chest expands on a deep, slow breath, all while looking down at me with a steady, determined gaze.
“Okay.”
I quirk a brow. “Okay?”
He offers a slight nod. “Okay. You’re right. We’ll leave first thing in the morning. Let’s go eat.”
I narrow my eyes at him warily.
That was... too easy.
He turns and opens the front door, then steps back with a raised, open palm, gesturing for me to enter first.
“After you, princess.”