Page 36 of Phantom’s Mate

Chapter 17

Britt didn’t know what Brock had said to Nick before they left, but he was obviously angry about it—and he obviously didn’t want to talk about it.

When she asked him if everything was okay—if he was sure his crew didn’t mind helping her—he’d forced a smile and said of course they didn’t.

That everything was just fine. He was just fine.

Which was clearly a lie.

She couldn’t stop worrying about it at odd moments. She hadn’t forgotten what Nick said the first time she met him—that he was on his way to kill someone.

She knew it was his unfinished business, but she also knew in her heart it would be bad for him—that it would make things worse, not better.

But she could tell he hadn’t forgotten. The anger was still there inside him, simmering. She could feel it—and she was afraid no amount of love could make it go away.

She also worried about when she found her sister, and delivered her final letter. What if her soul moved on?

What would happen to Nick then?

The worry faded over the next couple of days, although it never completely went away. Nick was his old self—funny, sweet, caring, intensely sexy.

Trying as hard as he could to take Britt’s mind off her sister, and the progress of the case.

The day after they met the crew, Nick spent some time conferring with DB, and then went off with him, telling her they had some things to take care of—but that she should conjure something special into her closet, for later.

“DB’s breaking us out of here again, babe,” he said, picking her up and whirling her around. “Only this time, we’re going on a date.”

A date? Where on earth—or in the spirit world—was he taking her?

When he came back a few hours later, she was wearing an emerald green sheath dress, sheer black stockings, and heels. She’d even conjured makeup to put on.

Then she started feeling insecure. What if it was too much? What if he hadn’t meant for her to get this dressed up, and she looked silly?

But all that fell away when he walked into the cottage and saw her standing there. There was instant desire in his face, but also a kind of wonder. A smile played around the corner of his mouth.

“You look…” He shook his head. “Amazing.” His voice was husky.

It was only then that she realized he’d dressed up too. Dress pants that molded to his thighs and butt, and a blue button-down shirt that matched his eyes. He was holding a bouquet of bright orange and yellow flowers.

“I know these don’t match your dress or anything,” he said. “But it’s always so dark and stormy here, I feel like I should bring sunshine colors.”

“They’re beautiful.” She conjured a vase for them and put them on the kitchen counter.

She turned to find him right behind her. He cupped her cheek in one hand and kissed her softly, but she could feel the heat behind it. She shivered at the intensity.

“You ready?” he said. She nodded. “Better bring a jacket. It might get cold.”

She realized why when they went outside, Nick sweeping her up in his arms so the rain and mud wouldn’t ruin her shoes.

She’d expected DB to be waiting, but instead of a slim thirteen-year-old with messy black hair and green eyes, she saw a dragon—black as midnight, but still with the same bright green eyes.

Brittany gasped. “He’s beautiful.”

In her head a voice said,

Of course. She smiled to herself.

Nick carried her over to the dragon and reached up to set her sideways on his back, between his neck ridges. He climbed up behind her, gathering her into his arms to keep her safe while they flew.