Page 62 of Sanctuary and Spices
Ronhar growled. “I should-”
“I’ve got it.” I pressed a quick kiss to his jaw. “You focus on the garden. We can continue this discussion later.”
His markings pulsed. “Count on it.”
I headed for the kitchen, but his presence followed me through the bond - a promise of things to come. The ceremonial vine bloomed brighter in my wake, as if it approved.
Who knew plants could be so romantic?
The rest of the morning passed in controlled chaos. I dealt with Pix’s latest invention (only slightly scorched), helped Mai reorganize the spice storage (my system was better, no matter what Ronhar said), and experimented with a new pastry recipe that had the crystalline formations singing in harmony.
Through it all, Ronhar’s presence stayed steady in the back of my mind. Every brush of contact sent sparks through the bond. Every shared glance promised more to come.
By the time we closed for the afternoon break, the air between us crackled with tension. I barely waited for the last customer to leave before pouncing.
“Finally,” I breathed against his mouth.
His markings blazed as he pulled me closer. “Missed me?”
“Always.” I slid my hands under his shirt, tracing the glowing patterns on his skin. “Though someone kept distracting me through the bond.”
“Payback.” He nipped my lower lip. “For that trick you pulled during breakfast.”
“You liked it.”
“Troublemaker.” His hands settled on my hips. “I nearly dropped an entire tray of drinks.”
“Worth it.”
He growled, the sound vibrating through me.
A chime from the front door made us spring apart.
“We’re closed!” I called, trying to steady my breathing.
“It’s just me!” Erynn’s voice carried through the café. “Though if you’re busy...”
“What do you need?” Ronhar asked, his markings still pulsing with frustrated desire.
“The archive sent over those old recipe books you requested.” She appeared in the doorway, arms full of data crystals. “But I can come back...”
“No, it’s fine.” I smoothed my hair, ignoring Ronhar’s quiet growl. “We were just discussing... inventory.”
“Sure you were.” She winked. “That’s why the garden’s glowing like that.”
Oh.
The plants had responded to our passion, their leaves gleaming with inner light. Even the ceremonial vine seemed to shine brighter.
Heat crept up my cheeks. “The resonance patterns are just... strong today.”
“Uh huh.” Erynn set the crystals on a nearby table. “Well, don’t let me interrupt your... inventory discussion. Though you might want to dim the markings a bit, Ronhar. They’re a bit obvious.”
He growled again as she sauntered out, clearly enjoying our embarrassment.
“Well.” I cleared my throat. “Should we look at those recipes?”
“Later.” He pulled me back against his chest. “I believe we were in the middle of something.”
