Page 22 of Protected By the Elf Prince

“You did nothing wrong,” I interrupted gently. “My reaction was my responsibility.”

Landon stared at me for several long moments.

Most would have become defensive or frightened, even. Instead, Landon looked troubled on my behalf. As though my anger concerned him more than he was worried for himself.

“You wanted to burn the place down because a woman touched my arm,” he muttered finally.

“When you phrase it that way, it does sound excessive.”

His abrupt bark of laughter had me smiling. He shook his head and leaned in. “It sounds insane.”

I nodded. “That as well.”

To my surprise, a beautiful smile tugged at the corner of his mouth before disappearing again as he admitted, “I don’t know what I’m supposed to think anymore.”

“I understand.” And softly, truthfully, I added, “All of this is a great deal for you to process.”

Some tension eased from his shoulders. I never wanted to pressure him. I just wanted to see him, talk with him, have him get to know me and consider a life with me.

Inwardly, I groaned. It really was a lot for a man who was used to being with women to even think about being with someone like me. Not only male but another species. My kind, as well as others who had been around for centuries, had long stopped caring about gender. What mattered was the spark beneath it. But I knew that many humans weren’t as forthcoming about giving a chance to something they were not used to.

My stomach rolled at the predicament I had placed my beloved in. Yet, I still said, “I would simply like to talk with you, if possible.”

Landon studied me carefully. Finally, he sighed and muttered, “Yeah, I think I can handle talking.”

Relief washed through me.

Landon glanced toward the bartender before turning back to me. “How old are you?”

The abruptness of the question caught me off guard. “You wish to know my age?”

“Yeah.” He gestured vaguely toward me. “Aren’t you worried about being seen with an older guy?”

For one long moment, I simply stared at him, and then when understanding struck, a soft and genuine laugh escaped me before I could stop it.

Landon blinked rapidly, clearly offended. “What?”

“You believe yourself older than me?”

“Well…” He frowned slightly. “Aren’t I?”

I smiled fully since I was unable not to. “My beloved,” I said softly, “I am over two hundred years old.”

When Landon choked violently on his drink, I moved instantly. I placed one hand on his back to pat him while with the other, I caught the glass before it fell.

“You’re what?” he choked.

“Two hundred and thirteen.”

His eyes widened impossibly far. “You look twenty-eight!”

“I do not know whether that is complimentary.”

“It’s horrifying.”

Another quiet laugh escaped me.

Landon stared openly in disbelief and shock. “You’re serious,” he muttered.