I checked our supplies and decided to make two batches, chocolate chip and snickerdoodle. I worked on the chocolate chip cookies first, mixing the batter and dolloping it out on a tray. I felt Cien’s eyes on me the whole time.

Once the first batch of cookies was in the oven, I held out the spoon. “Want to lick the spoon?”

A brief flash of longing crossed Cien’s face before he shook his head. I shrugged and moved to pop it into my own mouth.

“I do,” Torran said.

I smiled and moved to hand it to him. “Good thing you weren’t any slower or you would’ve been too late.”

Rather than waiting for me, he stood and approached. I frowned at the way he favored his side. “Has Havil checked you over?” I hissed once he was close enough that Cien wouldn’t overhear.

“I’m fine,” Torran murmured.

So, that was a no, then. Before I could press him to go to the medbay, he wrapped his fingers around my hand that held the spoon. He lifted the spoon to his lips and licked the batter from the back of it, his eyes hot on mine. Desire blindsided me, and I shifted as I noticed just how close he was. I could just lean over and . . .

I shook myself. He hadn’t renounced the life debt yet.

He brought the spoon to my lips. “Try it,” he urged, his voice deep and tempting.

“There is a child in the room,” I whispered.

“And I’m showing him that you are trustworthy,” Torran replied just as softly, but his tone held a wicked edge of heat. “Touching you is just a bonus. As is tempting you.” He brushed the spoon against my lips.

“If I lick it, will you go to the medbay?” I asked, then immediately groaned at myself. Had I really just said that out loud?

Torran’s expression told me that yes, I had. “If you lick it,” he said, his voice a rumble of desire, “then I’ll go wherever you like.”

I leaned forward and took the spoon in my mouth, making sure that Torran caught sight of my tongue curling around the end of it. I hollowed my cheeks, far more than was necessary to lick a spoon, but if I was going to play with fire, I was going to do it right.

I moaned low, just loud enough for Torran to catch it.

Then I released the cleaned spoon and grinned at him. “I’ll expect you in the medbay as soon as I put this next batch of cookies in the oven.”

He blinked, his eyes silver and teal, and then he chuckled. “Well played,” he murmured.