Page 138 of XOXO

Nodding, he cupped her jaw. “I’m going to shower, and we’ll make time to talk on Friday when I have the day off. We’ll figure it out, little imp.”

“Friday is Valentine’s Day.”

“Is it?” he asked, a smile tugging at his lips. “Are you into human traditions now?”

She shrugged. “I just think it’s cute that some of the immortals have adopted it. But don’t worry. I won’t expect romance from you. Goddess forbid.”

Leo playfully rolled his eyes at her teasing. “I’m romantic, woman. I lived in a solitary cabin for centuries, but I try. Give me some credit.”

Her eyes drooped as she snuggled into the bed. “I guess you’re okay. Go shower so you can cuddle with me. That’s romantic.”

Shooting her a sardonic glare, he rose and removed his clothes before stepping into the shower in the adjoining bathroom. As he washed off the grime of the day, Leo hoped Sadie would be able to grant his favor. He might not be the king of romance, but he loved his bonded mate and knew a trinket from her birth mother would hold great importance for her.

Exhausted, he eventually slipped between the sheets and drew Adelyn close, splaying his hand between her breasts as he spooned her.

“I love you, Addie,” he whispered against her nape. “Even when you attack me with pillows.”

“You deserved it,” she said, laughter in her tone as she shimmied her back into his strong frame. “But I’m glad you’re back in the bed. You can stay…until you piss me off again.”

Snickering, he tightened his arm and buried his nose in her fragrant hair, content to lose himself in her scent as he succumbed to his dreams.

Chapter 3

Sadie nervously approached the thatched-roof home that sat on the outskirts of Restia. Although she’d grown into her confidence in the years since she’d fallen in love with her husband and raised their daughter, apprehension prickled her skin at the task before her. Sadie was a rule follower, and breaching protocol to approach the birth family of a closed adoption was against her nature.

But she also believed family bonds were sacred. Leo’s solemn appeal when he’d spoken of securing an artifact from Adelyn’s birth mother had moved something deep in her core. She’d seen the same plea in his eyes that had reflected in her own when she’d asked Tordor and Esme to locate the trinket for Daphne.

That shared understanding had led her here—to the small home of the couple she hadn’t seen in decades. Steeling herself, she lifted her fist and rapped on the wooden door.

She heard shuffling before the hinges creaked, revealing a woman with deep brown eyes and chestnut-colored hair the same shade as Adelyn’s. Those eyes widened as a sharp intake of air passed through her lips.

“Sadie?”

“Hi, Marta,” she said, smiling. “Long time no see. You haven’t been to the infirmary in ages so I trust you’re doing well?”

“As well as can be,” she said with a nod. “Felton isn’t here—”

“I came to speak to you,” she interjected softly.

Relief washed over Sadie at the man’s absence. Her recollection of him from Adelyn’s adoption was of a cold, hardened man intent on ensuring his daughter gave up her child for adoption. Marta, on the other hand, had always seemed much more empathetic.

“Is everything okay?”

Nodding, Sadie lifted her eyebrows. “Do you mind if I come inside for a few minutes?”

Marta studied her before drawing back and ushering her inside. “It’s a bit of a mess. I’m going to mop before Felton gets home.”

“It’s a beautiful home,” Sadie said, gesturing toward the loveseat. “Can I sit here?”

“Oh, of course. Where are my manners?” She led Sadie to the plushy seat before lowering into the nearby chair. “Do you want some tea?”

“I’m fine.” Rubbing her damp palms on her thighs, Sadie decided to dive right in. “I’m here to ask a favor for Adelyn.”

Emotion clouded the woman’s features as her gaze turned wistful. “How is she? Did she send you here?”

“No,” Sadie said, shaking her head as she crossed her ankle over her knee. “Her husband did, actually.”

Reclining in the chair, Marta covered her mouth as tears clouded her eyes. “My baby’s baby has a husband.”

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