Chapter 23

ELEANOR

"You hadn’t even started yet," he finally said, his voice sharp. "I came to watch how you were planning to make my meal, but it seems you were just standing here wasting time."

I flinched, the sting in my finger now forgotten in the face of his presence. "I’m sorry," I said quickly. "I wasn’t sure what to make for you since you didn’t like the last meal I prepared. And then... I cut myself while dicing the tomatoes. I’ve been trying to work through the pain."

He looked at my hand, unimpressed. "Move aside," he ordered. "I’ll show you how to cook actual food."

I blinked in surprise. Him? Cook? I nearly laughed, but I held it in, forcing myself to look apologetic instead. This was going to be interesting.

I didn’t think Armando, of all people, knew how to cook anything. It would be a disaster, and frankly, it would be a little satisfying to see him mess up in the kitchen.

"Bring a stool," he added, his tone full of arrogance. "You’ll watch closely. If you’re going to be my per