Nights Burn With Regret — by Nathan Perez 68

Hades leaned back slightly, feigning innocence. “What do you mean?” 

I glanced at the food, then back at him, trying hard not to look as flustered as I felt. “You don’t have to do that. I can eat myself…” 

He shrugged lazily, his eyes glinting. “You were staring at the food like you’re afraid of it. I doubt you’d actually eat if I didn’t help.” 

“( 

Our gazes met, his bemused, mine tight with stubbornness, and I clenched my spoon, my knuckles whitening, as if I could somehow keep my heart from thundering out of my chest. I looked down, muttering under my breath, I’m not sitting here because of you. I’m doing it for her. I still stand by what I said, I don’t want anything to do with you anymore.” 

I was shameless. I was sitting here, about to eat food in his house, yet spewing that nonsense. But it was better this way, if he told me to stop eating, I’d just leave and pretend I didn’t care. 

Still, I knew I’d regret not tasting at least a bite. 

“I see,” he said, almost indifferent. 

He slid a plate of scrambled eggs in front of me, his voice deep. “We’ll talk about that later, princess. For now, eat.” He leaned closer, his breath brushing my cheek, his blue eyes gleaming with mischief. “Or do you prefer to be eaten?” His teeth flashed in a wolfish grin. 

I swallowed hard and quickly leaned back, heat crawling up my neck. “I–I’ll eat,” I blurted, scooping up a forkful before he could push further. There was no way I was getting eaten by a wolf. 

The eggs melted on my tongue, it was so good I almost moaned out loud. I bit the inside of my cheek to hold it in, acutely aware of his gaze burning into me. Every time I cleared a plate, he slid another in front of me, like I was some pampered doll he intended to feed forever. 

Finally, I set my spoon down and looked at him. “Aren’t you going to eat anything? Or are you just going to keep watching me?” 

Hades cast the table of food a disinterested glance before his eyes returned to me. “I’m not interested in anything other than you. 

My face heated instantly. Damn him. Why was he so honest? 

He studied me like he was savoring my reaction, then his gaze flicked to the bowl of strawberries on the table. His voice dropped, low and coaxing. “But… I wouldn’t mind if you fed me.” 

I raised an eyebrow at him. He smirked, his attention fixed on the strawberries, his tone seductive enough to curl heat in my stomach. 

“Feed me, princess.” 

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