Читать книгу The Colors Of The Dragon - Virginie T. - Страница 8

Dakota

After training, we all end up at home, as often. My apartment is almost too small to accommodate five males swollen with testosterone, but I am extremely uncomfortable in an environment other than mine, so they are kind enough to agree to hug a little so that I can be myself.

— What do you want to eat Dakota?

Good question. What could cheer me up and soften my bruised little heart?

— No matter the food, as long as you eat it on my dream body, you will be in seventh heaven, doll.

I explode with laughter in front of Jared who swells the pectorals by raising his eyebrows suggestively. Luke walks behind him to pat him on the back of the head as I struggle to catch my breath and tears drop from the corner of my eyes. Now, more than food, I need my friends and their antics to lighten up this trying day.

— Seriously dude, does it work with girls your hopeless dredge?

— Of course. Have you seen how seductive am i? No one can resist my charm.

— Your insignificant charm you mean?

I let Jasper and Jared bicker nicely and join George, who is desperately looking for an edible commodity in my fridge.

— What do you want me to prepare with a piece of moldy cheese and an expired bottle of milk?

I give him a shy contrite smile. At the same time, we went on a mission for a week and the general didn't give me much time to fill up on the pantry. On the other hand, even in normal times, without missions or otherwise (which rarely happens, demons do not know the concept of holidays), you cannot say that I am a homemaker. No one has taught me how to cook, and I hate cleaning, being content with the bare minimum to maintain a welcoming interior. My fridge is never topped with delicious dishes. It’s already a miracle when it contains edible food. On the other hand, a multitude of leaflets for home delivery of dishes are magnetized above.

— Can we order Chinese?

— Are you sure you want a Chinese cookie with a prediction? We cannot say that the day has brought you luck so far.

— Not false.

Luke arrives from behind and puts his arm on my shoulders, sticking his warm body to mine. It is in these moments of complicity that I regret not being able to really see him. Not being able to observe them all other than through a green filter that probably distorts the smoldering joy on their face.

— You seem pensive.

I jump when I hear Russel behind me. I did not notice his presence in the kitchen. For an elite soldier familiar with the most dangerous fights and missions on this Earth, I let myself be surprised like a beginner.

— I'm going to order pizza.

— This is exactly what you need. Fat and heavy that will make you drowsy and sleep like a baby.

— Also take some ice cream that you can lick on me.

Jared can't resist.

And at the same time, that's exactly what I needed: remarks, friendly hugs and George's paternal compassion. This is how we all meet around the coffee table, double cheese pepperoni pizzas spread out in front of us, a beer in hand and a turnip, said the cavemen, on the screen. I wake up two hours later, the soporific side of the pizza having had its effect.