Page 85 of Perfectly Perfect Pixie

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll get it sorted. You need to get Peaches home.”

Home.Goddess, that sounded lovely.

“You better hurry,” Leon added with a glance toward the darkened window. “That UV light didn’t do much more than cause a blister, but none of us know if that will hold true for the full brunt of the sun. I don’t think you need to push it, Lucroy. At least, not yet.”

“Agreed. I will be cautious. Thank you for your concern, Leon.”

Leon’s lazy grin was filled with warmth. “Always.”

“Come, Peaches.” Lucroy didn’t wait for me to answer or fly toward him. He lifted me into his arms, cradling my ass while I wrapped my legs around him. Chin on Lucroy’s shoulder, I reached out behind him toward Bree’s ashes. Leon saw my move and easily set the too-small container in my hands.

“She really did think she was saving him,” I defended Bree again, staring at Leon as I said it.

“I know.” For the first time that night, Leon allowed his sadness to show. “That’s what makes it even more painful.”

Lucroy carried me away, and Leon faded into the distance, his dark eyes lost in memory. Overall, tonight had been a win, but it hadn’t come without loss. The container full of ashes cradled in my hands was evidence of that.

ChapterThirty-Two

LUCROY

The Jeep rolled across potholes along the gravel path leading to Peaches’s orchard. As soon as we’d crossed his barrier, Peaches’s shoulders relaxed, and he slumped into his seat. The area washed over him, easing his tension.

“Home,” he whispered, more like a prayer of release. The sprite buzzed within the vehicle. “All right, I get it,” Peaches huffed before hitting the button and lowering the window. The sprite flew off, a bright white line racing into the trees.

Giggling low, Peaches said, “It was really anxious to get back to its colony.”

“Sprites don’t do well alone. It makes them very anxious. I was surprised to see one came with you to Dusk.”

“It wanted to,” Peaches answered with a yawn. “Goddess, I’m tired. I can barely keep my eyes open. That sounds silly, considering how much I slept earlier today.”

My fingers clenched, and I had to forcefully relax them before I bent the steering wheel. “That was a healing rest. I doubt it did much to rejuvenate your body. You left your orchard too soon.” I didn’t mean to scold, but as much as I appreciated Peaches’s need to be with me and his support, I was dismayed that he’d placed his own wellness in jeopardy.

“Stuff it, Lucroy.” Peaches didn’t back down. “Don’t you sit there and tell me I should have stayed here.” With a huff, Peaches hunkered down farther into his seat. The backrest kept his wings from fluttering.

“Forgive me.” I reached over and grasped Peaches’s hand, squeezing but keeping my strength in check. I never wanted to hurt my beloved. “I was only concerned.” That wasn’t nearly a strong enough word.

“I understand. I was worried about you too.” Peaches returned my grip. “I’m still worried about you.” Pale light was just beginning to show on the horizon. “The sun will be up soon. You should have let me call a rideshare. You’re going to have to speed like crazy to get back to Dusk before sunrise.” Sitting up and clicking his seat belt off, Peaches said, “As a matter of fact, this is far enough. I’m within my boundary. Let me out. You can turn around and head back now.”

I didn’t slow.

“Lucroy. Stop the car and let me out,” Peaches demanded.

“I don’t think so.” I wasn’t trying to be flippant or even immature. I understood Leon’s concern and shared it. However, the thought of dropping Peaches off, turning around, and leaving . . . It was not something I was prepared to do.

“Lucroy.” Fresh panic filled Peaches’s voice. “I’m with Leon. I don’t think it’s time to test out the theory that my blood makes you impervious to the sun. What if Nirgal was wrong. Or maybe it was just Horatio and his pixie. Just because it worked with him doesn’t mean it will work with me. Please. I can’t lose you. I can’t—”

“I have no plan to leave you, Peaches. Not by physically turning this vehicle around or by bursting into a cloud of ash. I believe Frederick’s effort to annihilate me today has at least taught us that I am more impervious to sunlight. I do not wish to test that theory in direct light, but I believe staying in your cottage with the windows covered will be sufficient.”

Worrying his bottom lip, Peaches didn’t look convinced. “I don’t know. I—”

“Do you not wish me to stay?”

I got a smack on the arm for that comment. “Don’t ask stupid questions. Of course I want you to stay. I just don’t want you to die to get what I want.”

“That is wonderful to hear, beloved.”

Peaches cheeks puffed and colored a lovely shade of rose. Finally stopping the Jeep, I glanced at Peaches’s cottage. “Come. Let’s get things settled before the sun rises further.” Not giving Peaches more time to contemplate, I hopped out and headed for his front door.

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