Page 92 of Gift from the Tree

“Of course, Mom, I’m just busy and waiting to see if I receive any updates from Caspian or Tillman,” Corentin says in an exasperated but soft voice.

“They’ll be fine. Those boys are strong and smart. When will you all be coming to visit me and your fathers? How’s my sweet Draken?” His mom peppers him with questions in such a motherly way, I can’t help the sad smile that graces my face.

“Draken’s fine. Same as always,” Corentin replies, bored.

“Are you all seeing anyone, any special lady?” she asks with a hint of humor in her tone. She must know this is driving Corentin crazy.

“I have to go, Mom, I have company. I’ll call you later… Yes, I promise soon…love you too. Bye.” He releases a sigh before announcing, “Come in, Willow, I know you’re out there.”

Damn, how did he know that?

“I didn’t want to interrupt your conversation,” I say as a lame excuse for my eavesdropping as I step in and shut his door.

“What can I do for you? Is everything okay?” he asks with a little more concern than the annoyance he just had in his tone as he watches me rock back and forth on my heels awkwardly.

“Yeah, yeah, everything’s fine. I just wanted to stop by and chat since combat class was canceled.”

“Chat about what?” he asks suspiciously.

Just spit it out. You shouldn’t even have to ask permission to do what you want with your friend.

“I want to go spend a day and night with Oakly during our break. Alone. We need some uninterrupted girl time.”

“Where?” he asks immediately, getting ready to go full control freak on me.

“One of her family’s properties.”

“That doesn’t answer my question, Willow,” he says, growing frustrated with me already.

“I’m not sure of the exact location. We’d have to get the details from Oakly,” I say, rolling my eyes.

“And it would just be the two of you?” he asks.

“Yes. She wants to spend the week out there to get some alone time but wants me to join for a day and night.”

“I don’t like that you both will be alone. There are attacks happening everywhere around Elementra.” He leans back and crosses his arms, but I’m ready for that objection.

“Oakly says the property is secluded, with wards surrounding it that would alert her to anyone who tried to come across without her permission. And we both can transport out if need be and have our communicators.”

“I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it.”

The tone of his voice tells me his mind is already made up, but I’m not willing to accept that.

“What if Gaster transports me there and back, and I can check in throughout the day until I go to sleep?” This will be my only compromise.

He doesn’t respond, just stares at me.

Growing frustrated, I blurt out, “You know I could’ve just gone and not told anyone until I was there with her.”

“That would get you in more trouble than it’s worth, Willow,” he warns.

“Yeah, and how’s that?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest. I refuse to back down despite the fiery intensity in his eyes.

Slowly, ever so slowly, he stands, buttoning his suit jacket, and walks toward me. Every step controlled, every step purposeful, like he’s practiced this prowl a thousand times. Gently, he grabs my wrist, forcing me to uncross my arms, and places a hand on my lower back, pulling me until our bodies are pressed firmly together.

“Well, princess, to start, me and my brothers would tear this fucking realm apart, town by town, territory by territory until we found you. Then, when I got you home, I’d paint that pretty little ass pink for making me lose my fucking mind in worry. After that, one of us would be stuck to your side day in and day out. You’d never go anywhere alone ever again. You’d be lucky to shower in solitude. That’s not what you want, is it?” His threat should scare me. Instead, I’m on the verge of panting.

Gone is the emotionless mask, his gaze smoldering, a look that speaks volumes of desire and longing. I never would’ve thought I’d be on the receiving end of a look like this when that mask came crashing down.

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