Page 38 of The Succubus's Song

He woke up before she did, used to early morning practices, and practically had to pull her out of bed.

“Mara, darling,” Finley cooed, sitting on the edge of the bed and pulling the comforter off Mara. “We’re going to be late meeting Pippa.”

“If I know Pippa, and I do, then she’s the one who’s going to be late.” Mara’s voice sounded muffled as she mumbled into her pillow. She raised one arm and made a shooing motion at Finley. “It would be foolhardy to show up on time.”

“I don’t think that’s ever been true,” Finley scoffed playfully, giving the blankets another firm tug to no avail.

“Stop it,” Mara hissed, flicking one of her talons out for emphasis and pointing it at Finley. He only laughed in response.

Bastard. Mara hissed to herself, but it was only halfheartedly. Who’s this cheery in the morning?

“How about this…” Finley grinned. “If we make it to Cairngorm Coffee on time, I’ll buy you one of those overpriced croissants you love so much.”

Mara picked her head up from a mess of blankets. “They’re not overpriced. How bold of a man to assume my appetites weren’t satisfied anyway, after last night.” Mara stretched out amongst the pillows like a cat, taking joy in the way she caught Finley staring.

He shrugged. “I think we both know that you don’t eat something made almost entirely of butter for the sustenance. Now, come on, clearly all this talk of pastries is the key to getting you out of bed.”

“I’m awake.” Mara rolled her eyes. “I wouldn’t say you’re making a lot of progress in getting me out of bed.”

Finley’s gaze got hot as he leaned forward and crawled across the bed towards Mara. He stretched out across the white sheets, looking utterly delectable in the morning light.

Finley pressed a series of kisses up Mara’s arm, smiling. “Well then, how about you meet me in the shower, and we’ll see if I can give you a few bites of my own?”

Mara sat up straight, suddenly feeling very, very awake, and Finley only started to laugh harder. He laughed all the way into the bathroom until Mara made him beg.

* * *

Cairngorm Coffee would typically be classified as a little too hipster for Mara’s taste, with its white-washed walls and farmhouse aesthetic. However, they did make some of the best croissants in the city, and even a succubus couldn’t resist the allure of buttered pastries.

It was also magically owned, so they didn’t need to worry about monitoring their conversation too much when they spoke.

Mara moaned pleasantly as she sunk her teeth into a warm croissant, doing a little shimmy in her seat. Finley chuckled and shook his head as he sat next to her.

“What?” Mara mumbled with her mouth full.

“You’re cute, that’s all.” Finley smiled, wiping some crumbs off Mara’s chin with his thumb. Mara’s stomach flipped unexpectedly at his sweet words and small gestures; those little affections had been foreign to her for too long.

What have I gotten myself into with you, Finley McEwan?

“I don’t know if anyone has ever called Mara ‘cute’ before.” Pippa’s warm brogue cut through the restaurant, getting their attention.

Pippa cut a striking, curvy figure in all black, like what she wore the day before. She was a creature of habit—-and Pippa had very deadly habits. She flicked a long, blonde braid over her shoulder as she approached.

Mara stood and pulled her into a hug. “I’m so happy you’re here.” She held on tight to her cousin, ignoring her comments.

“Hiya, Pippa,” Finley chirped cheerfully from the other side of the table as the cousins sat down.

“He’s cheery,” Pippa noted, taking a sip of her coffee and eyeing Finley’s sunny attitude. “Does he not understand what’s going on? That normally sparks a bit more fear in mortals.”

“Oh, he knows.” Mara rolled her eyes. “He just doesn’t seem to care.”

Finley shrugged. “I simply have more faith in you that you’ll handle it.”

Mara said nothing, but Pippa’s eyes went wide.

“Goodness,” she held her cup out towards Finley, “I like him. I like him a lot, Mara.”

“Thank you!” Finley grinned. “I like you too, Pippa.”

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