Page 60 of Split or Swallow

“Charming.”

She shrugged.

“You asked.”

“So I did.”

He was still looking at her, and she was still looking at him.

“What’s your poison?” he continued.

“Whatever’s cheapest. Yours?”

“Whatever’s strongest.”

“Charming.”

“You asked.”

A butler appeared out of nowhere to place a salad in front of Tem. He placed the same salad in front of Leo, filled their wine glasses, then vanished.

“We’ve established that you’re not a horse,” Leo continued as if there were no interruption. “But do you like spending time outside?”

Tem considered the question. They were outside right now, and she liked that fine. But she didn’t inherently prefer it.

“Not particularly.”

Leo cocked his head. “Why not?”

“Time spent outside is usually time spent working on the farm.”

“Ah,” he said. “Of course. The farm.”

For some reason, it seemed like her answer amused him.

“Something funny?” Tem prompted.

“Certainly not,” he rearranged his expression until it resembled neutrality. “I just can’t picture you on a farm.”

His eyes went to her breasts. They’d been going there all night, but now they lingered.

“Surprising,” Tem shot back, “considering you act like a pig.”

Leo let out another deep laugh. The meaner she was to him, the more he seemed to enjoy himself.

“I can’t help it if I like what I see.”

“You’re only seeing it because you chose this dress.”

“I thought you said you weren’t offended.”

“And I thought you said you’d make it up to me.”

“So I did.”

Leo waved down the butler and whispered something in his ear.

Tem ignored him, instead shoving a mouthful of salad in her mouth. It was a fancy thing, with feathery greens and a sweet dressing. Nothing like the hearty vegetables they grew on the farm. Even the silverware was gold. A single fork from this table would probably feed a family in the village for a month.