Page 26 of Kisses at the Crossroads

“I wish I could give you something in return for all your kindness.” Trick stops in front of me and gasps. “Wait. I do,” the words are a whisper as if he just only thought of something.

“Darling, I don’t need anything.”

“Then I’ll hold on to it until the right time. It’ll feel special that way.” He spins again. I love how carefree he seems to be around me compared to when we met. His brother is still apprehensive when we meet or leave notes to each other, but that’s understandable. “What did Wren say from his research into soul tethers? Or Poe?”

I laugh. “Your brother is not that good at research, despite his mastery of realm hopping.”

“It’s a wonder he mastered that. He never was one for study outside of what was needed to be a courtesan. He loved learning how to pleasure. Even before his wings glowed, he was making boys melt. So it doesn’t surprise me that his head isn’t in research now that he knows where I am.” Trick throws his hands in the air and spins again and again.

“Poe found something helpful.”

Trick stops and holds his breath, waiting for my words.

“It’s very interesting.” I thread my hand through Trick’s hair and he leans into my palm. “If we can’t find the spell anchor, we can create a new soul tether.”

“Right, but how?”

“True love dissolves the magic that keeps you from the one your heart desires. Apparently, love is stronger than magic. Who knew?” I chuckle a little as he staggers back. “What’s wrong?”

“I’ve never been in love. I don’t know what romantic love even feels like. How will I know?”

“You’ll know.”

“I know what family love is. Friend love. Wouldn’t those count as true love? They’re true to me.” Trick paces as he wrings his hands and his wing tips flutter under the binder.

“Trick, look at me.”

Those big blue-gray eyes search mine.

“Your tether is already thinning.” Just the slightest, but it’s a start.

“How?” His cheeks go pink.

“Obviously, your heart has found someone.”

“Maybe.” He gives me the biggest grin. “Sparkle has been nicer to me since you showed up.” The laugh fills my heart with so much happiness. I pull him in my arms.

“Brat.” I tip his chin with my tail. “What if it’s a demon you’re still not sure about?” I lean in and barely brush his lips with mine.

“Pike! There you are!” Ava bursts through the door in the floor of the ceiling. “Drake is raving about something. You better see if you can calm him down. He’s trying to fire Kristy.”

“Fuck.” I press my forehead to Trick’s. “I’ll be back.” He takes a few dazed steps a way from me as he nods.

I hand Ava the leash I’d forgotten about and blink down into Drake’s office, where he and Kristy scream at each other.

“You no good son of a?—”

“What’s going on?” I ask, letting my voice rumble through the room.

“Drake just told me I’m fired after tonight.”

“What?” I glare at Drake, who sits smugly behind his desk.

“Her performance is lacking and?—”

“Absolutely not. Kristy stays. She’s the biggest draw you’ve had since she started.”

“I want Trick back in. With as much sunlight as he’s getting, he’ll be brighter than before.”

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