Chapter 19

“The machine is…uh…how you say…magnificent?”

The tips of Henri’s ears burned. How silly he was to think André’s voice sounded sweet like honey when this man’s voice poured into his ears like a deep slow strum of a guitar. Cosimo’s words vibrated against his bones and Henri rocked back on his heels. Alix had mentioned Cosimo was more alchemist than p?tissier. Perhaps the Italian bewitched not just through his desserts. Henri had to be careful. This wasn’t going to be as easy coring an apple. Though even sometimes his fingers slipped at that.

The man was still there. Henri could feel him, unmoving like a wall shielding one from a winter’s wind. Henri’s skin tingled. The man’s breath a warm breeze on his neck.

“Yes, magnificent,” Henri echoed.