Lucien was appalled. “I’ve done that to you?”
She studied him, her look wary then she nodded before saying, “Just now and when, um… that time Katrina came over.”
“Christ,” he muttered, stunned and disgusted with himself. He hadn’t even felt it.
“I’d said some awful things…” she defended him and his arms gave her a gentle shake to stop her exoneration.
“That won’t happen again,” he declared.
Leah watched him, her eyes wide, lips parted and this time he didn’t revel in a look that made her adorable.
“What is it?” she whispered.
His reply was swift and terse. “Preparing for battle.”
“Wow,” she breathed.
“Against an immortal, Leah,” he went on, tone still curt. “My strength is twenty times yours. When I’m in a fight or flight situation, my adrenalin releases just as yours does, but it makes me twice as strong as I was before, twice as fast. If I were to –”
“You didn’t,” she cut him off.
“And I wouldn’t,” he stated. “I’ll repeat, my pet, when you’re with me, you never have anything to fear.”
At that, she replied, “That part I know.”
After she spoke, he watched as her face stilled then horror filled it and she grew pale.
Her heart started racing. In his anger, he’d ceased attuning his to hers and his remained steady.
But she’d given something away and it wasn’t that she trusted he’d never harm her.
“Leah?”
She looked toward the door and she quickly changed the subject, “Maybe we should call my family to come and have breakfast.”
“Leah –”
“I’ll make breakfast today. Crêpes Suzette.”
The idea of Leah attempting Crêpes Suzette, which she’d fail to do (not to mention it was dessert), was infinitely amusing, especially considering flambéing was key to the dish’s success. He mentally located the fire extinguisher, just in case.
At the thought of witnessing this endeavor and her reaction at her inevitable failure, Lucien was tempted to let her off the hook.
However, he didn’t.
“Look at me, sweetheart.”
Her gaze flitted to his eyebrow.
His arms tightened and his tone was a warning. “Leah.”
She sighed and her eyes caught his.
“What did you mean?” Lucien asked.
“What did I mean what?” Leah asked back.
His eyes narrowed. She wrinkled her nose.