Landon retreated quickly after Ash’s brushoff. Once the blond had disappeared around a corner, Ash crossed his arms and glared at Wren sternly. Knowing he’d purposely disobeyed Ash’s order to not leave his room, Wren refused to meet the redhead’s gaze. Ash moved to where Wren was standing and placed one hand on the wall beside him. Leaning closer, he crowded Wren against the wall in a fashion similar to the way Landon had. The only difference was Wren didn’t feel threatened and he rather liked having Ash pressed so close to him.

That made the redhead far more dangerous, in Wren’s opinion.

“I thought I told you to stay in your room?” Ash queried, his voice surprisingly gentle. He didn’t sound angry, only curious, as he took Wren’s chin between his index finger and thumb and gently coaxed him to meet his gaze. “Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for you to wander these halls alone?”

When Wren didn’t offer any defense for himself, Ash’s lips turned downward into a frown. “Well, say something…”

Wren shuffled his feet. “I was hungry.”

One auburn brow rose and then the redhead sighed as if put upon. He pushed away from Wren.

“Come on,” he said. “I’ll show you where the kitchen is.”

They walked in silence. Ash apparently had chosen to punish him by giving him the silent treatment and Wren truly didn’t know how to break the ice after he’d knowingly disobeyed and put himself in danger. And he believed he’d been in imminent danger. He shuddered to think what might have happened had Ash not shown up when he did.

Several twists and turns along the corridors later and they finally arrived at the kitchen. Wren expected Ash to leave him until he finished eating, but to his surprise, the redhead seized him beneath both arms and hefted him onto the counter. Ash then set about preparing sandwiches for both Wren and himself.

They ended up eating a delicious meal of cold honeyed ham on white bread. Ash also added cheese, sweet pickles, and chocolate chip cookies to their plates and served it up with a glass of sweet tea. As they ate, the silence between them slowly dissipated. Ash was the first to speak and they quickly settled into a comfortable back and forth.

Ash teased Wren about getting mustard on his face, but before he could attempt to wipe it off, Ash leaned forward and wiped it away with his thumb. The taller male stepped between Wren’s thighs and he leaned forward to brush his lips against Wren’s. Wren welcomed the kiss, even parted his lips willingly to allow Ash to push his tongue inside. The redhead teased and coaxed, tangling their tongues until Wren reciprocated.

As soon as Wren began to return the kiss, Ash pulled back, leaving Wren wanting more. With a teasing quirk of his mouth, Ash lowered his head to brush warm lips against Wren’s neck, sending shivers dancing along Wren’s spine. Wren sighed when Ash reached around to cup his hands over his bottom. He pulled Wren closer to the edge of the counter until their hips were flush against each other. Ash ground his hips against Wren’s, drawing a startled yelp from him. Wren clung to the larger male, completely engrossed in the moment and failing to remember all the reasons he shouldn’t allow this to happen.

“Remind me why this is a bad idea?” The redhead muttered into Wren’s ear, echoing his thoughts.

Wren gasped when he felt Ash’s incisors scrap lightly against the side of his throat, not hurting him, but the reminder of their presence – and the reminder that the man in his arms wasn’t human and may decide to kill him if he’s unable to figure out a way to annul their accidental marriage – sobered him instantaneously. In much the same manner as a bucket of cold water to the face.

Wren placed both hands on Ash’s chest and pushed lightly. Ash got the message and immediately backed away. One brow quirked up in curiosity, the redhead looked down at Wren with amber eyes bright with lust. His lips were moist and slightly swollen from their kisses. Wren wanted nothing more than to pull him in for another kiss and forget everything else, but he resisted that dangerous urge.

Heaving a sigh, Ash pushed away from the counter and began cleaning up the remnants of their late-night snack.

“Are you still hungry?” Ash asked after clearing his throat. His hair was mussed from Wren hands running through it and he was still obviously aroused. Wren hunched over and placed his hands on the edge of the counter in front of him in an attempt to hide the evidence of his own arousal.

“No. I’m full.” He said. “Thanks.”

Ash turned to find Wren staring at him. For a moment, neither of them moved, then Ash dropped the dishcloth he’d been using to wipe dishes onto the counter and stalked toward Wren.

“Don’t look at me that way, mon petite chou.”

The redhead placed his hands on the counter on either side of Wren. He smiled, displaying his incisors. Wren blushed, remembering how delicious it had felt having them scrape lightly along his neck.

“I’m not looking at you in any particular way.” Wren argued. He should have run when he’d had the chance. If Ash kissed him again, if he pressed for more, Wren wasn’t sure he’d have the strength to resist him.

Ash leaned closer. “I disagree. Your lips are red and swollen and begging me to abuse them further. I’m not being arrogant by saying you watch me with desire in your eyes. Keep doing so and I may just decide to go ahead and make you my next meal.”