Page 58 of Serpent & Saviors

Rising from the bed, I crossed the space between us, every step filled with a boldness that was unfamiliar but intoxicating. I stopped just short of him, lifting my gaze. To hell with caution. To hell with his “little pixie”—I wanted this moment for myself.

“It’s not in my nature after all,” I added.

His smile turned dangerous. “We’ll see about that. There’s a hint of a brat behind those eyes.”

“Me? I think not. I know only obedience.” I reached around him and fingered two of the dresses hanging in the closet. “And speaking of that, which one do you prefer?” I asked.

Desire burned in his eyes, and his cheek twitched. “If you keep looking at me like that, we aren’t going to leave this room. Either one will do. However, I’d like you to wear sandals.”

“Oh really? The trainers are so comfortable though, and would look perfect with this one.” I touched the pretty floral maxi.

“Yes, but I plan to pamper you today, and part of that will be a pedicure. I like pretty painted toes.”

“Duly noted,” I said, wiggling mine.

Fifteen minutes later, we were sitting around the table eating breakfast, and I tentatively asked, “I was wondering if it wouldn’t be too much trouble. Could we stop at the bookstore again?”

“Did you finish your book already?” He looked up from his phone.

“No, it’s actually for a journal. While I love the one you purchased, I can’t use it for poetry.”

“And why not?”

“Hmm, because that one belongs to someone else. One of the friends I told you about. I wasn’t going to use it at all, but now that I have options.” He smirked at the word, making me chuckle. “I’d like to get a different one if that’s okay.”

“Are you feeling inspired, then?”

I nodded, feeling my heart soar. I’d forgotten how much I missed writing. It was another part of me that Cameron had tried to destroy.

“I can make that work. I’ve got a stop I need to make in that area anyway. Is there anywhere else you’d like to go?”

“No, Sir, aside from there, my toes and I are at your disposal.”

“I like the sound of that. At my disposal. Hmm.”

He leaned in and kissed me on the forehead as his phone rang. The morning passed in a blur. I experienced old things for the first time again. We stopped at the bookstore first. He led me over to the journals. I picked one up and studied it before placing it back on the shelf. He picked one, and I shook my head.

“What’s your favorite color?” he asked softly.

“The questions begin, I see,” I said, smiling.

“They do. We can take turns asking.”

“And you’ll answer anything I ask?” My heart thudded inside my chest. Here was my chance to ask about Kinsley.

“Absolutely, I’m an open book. However, we agree right here that whatever question we ask, the other has to answer it as well.”

“Very well, teal is my favorite color.”

“Teal, huh?” He turned his attention back to the journals and laughed. “We have to get this one.” He pulled a teal journal and hugged it to his chest. “Go on, keep browsing. I think I’ve hit the mother-lode here. Mine is blonde.”

“Blonde? Is that really a color, though?”

“Yes, I can assure you it is both a color and now a preference. Plus, it sounds better than yellow.” The corner of his mouth lifted as he touched my hair. My face was inflamed. He turned his attention back to the vast display of journals and sketchbooks.

“No way. This is too perfect. Who knew the bookstore held such treasures?” He pulled out a diary with a purple plush kitten on the cover. It had a pink sparkly bow hanging off the ear, and clutched in the paws was a removable mini notebook. He held it up to me. “What do you think?”

“It’s cute, I suppose,” I mumbled and then added under my breath. “What is she, like, six?”