Page 130 of Reaper’s Curse

I coughed a laugh and wondered about the cause of the dislike.

Elven kind, fae kind, reaper kind—they all had good and bad elements. No one species was better than the other. They were merely different and (hopefully) learning to get along. Whatever bright bits of energy any one race had to share with the others should be considered both joyous and exciting.

The music slowed and changed, bringing our dance to an end.

Lucas took my hand in his and patted it, his gaze sweeping over the approaching Chace and Neive. “Winter and your secret male hunk.” He sighed. “Two gorgeous loaves of bread. What a glorious sandwich that would make.” He glanced at me sideways and winked. “Have I told you how much I envy you, sweetness?”

I blinked. Then bubbled with laughter. I wasn’t sure I could believe my hearing. I deposited a quick kiss on his cheek, then bid him and Neive goodnight.

“That was fun,” Chace said without a whisper of enthusiasm.

He watched the servants’ departure.

“Tell me about it,” I prompted and, using my fingernail, swirled a design on his vest.

Chace’s eyes warmed. “Maybe later.” He tilted his head toward the doors leading into the garden. “Walk with me?”

32

With Raven’s hand in mine, I led her from the gala, out through the grand doors, and into the palace’s enclosed rose garden. A floral courtyard on a grand scale, surrounded by the castle walls, trimmed in majestic architectural elements, yet open to the sky.

Of course, the flowers gracing the royal oasis couldn’t compare in sight or scent to the alluring female at my side.

The silk of Raven’s gloves slid softly against the skin of my palm. And yet I would favor…

“Do you mind?” I towed us to a stop and raised a questioning brow at her as I gently tugged on the fingers of one glove.

It covered her arm to her elbow, and, if permitted, I would prefer to remove that barrier. Feel her flesh against mine.

Her gaze dropped to her hands. She shifted her weight and worried her lower lip.

Am I making her uncomfortable?

I released my hold, my chest tightening.

“No. I don’t mind. Not at all.” She shook her head. “Camilla chose them to hide all the cuts⁠—”

The knots in my chest unraveled, and I shushed her with the gentle press of a single finger to her mouth. “This last week has been a storm of events and emotions, and there are many things we should discuss, but not at present. Let’s take this moment to enjoy your restored health and simply be in the now.”

“O…okay.” She dragged her teeth over that plump bottom lip of hers, and I found myself fixated on the movement.

Reminded of our kiss. The one I still hoped…no, intended to revisit. Something inside of me warmed and twisted my gut.

“You scared me.” I tugged her left glove free and set it on the edge of the closest planter. “At the warehouse and then again yesterday, showing up at the pub in such a depleted condition.”

I freed her right hand from the other glove and tossed it with its mate.

“I’m sorr⁠—”

My fingers found her mouth again. I needed her to hear me while the courage in my chest persisted. But first…

Signaling my intentions, I removed her mask and placed it with her gloves. I never wanted anything to hide her face from me. Not ever. Granting her the same consideration, I slipped my own mask free and set it atop hers.

“I know our history hasn’t been the most…” I folded her hands within my hold while searching for the right word. “Cordial.”

Raven huffed softly, bringing a smile to my lips.

“But I feel…” My gaze intensified. Warmed. “As if our world is evolving, and our dynamics are shifting. Am I wrong?”