Page 61 of Perfectly Perfect Pixie

As much as I hated it, Peaches needed to leave soon. He’d been gone from his orchard for a little over five hours. It wasn’t long enough for him to feel the effects too badly, but it would be soon.

“I know,” Peaches said. “I need to leave soon.” Sadness filled his voice. “Your body stiffened, so I knew you were thinking about something unpleasant.” Peaches had begun doing that, predicting my emotions—my thoughts—before I had a chance to voice them. My body language was subtle, but I relaxed enough around my beloved that he could tell. Then again, Peaches was very observant.

Pushing off my chest, Peaches’s naked body slid against mine. Both of us were covered in our spend. I should have gotten up and cleaned us off, but I hadn’t wanted to move.

“Ich.” Peaches scrubbed his crusted belly, cheeks flushing. “Why does it itch so bad when it’s dry?”

“I’ve no idea.” My skin itched as well. I simply ignored it.

With a heavy sigh, Peaches’s wings fluttered, pulling him up and off my lap. I instantly missed his warmth. Peaches’s blood still sang through my veins, but his skin pressed to mine was a delight I sorely missed when it was taken away.

Drifting to the small kitchenette, Peaches fished out a washcloth. Soaking it with warm water, he scrubbed his belly, cleaning off the dried cum. I remained where I was, enjoying the delicious view. Peaches’s golden hair hung to just above the curve of his ass. It was a lovely curtain, giving peekaboo glimpses of the most perfect ass in all creation. Gracefully toned legs dangled below that perfection, and petite feet and toes finished the sleek beauty.

“You want me to clean you too?” Peaches turned, the most exotically innocent look lighting up his face. “Lucroy?” His voice came out hushed and ragged.

“No,” I ground out, attempting to shut down my lust. “I’ll shower when you leave.” I would, but most likely, I’d wait, basking in the scent of Peaches on my skin for as long as possible.

“Okay.” Peaches turned but flipped his gaze back to me. “You look like you wanna eat me.”

“An accurate description,” I languidly answered. “You are certainly delicious enough to tempt the most well-fed vampire.”

Peaches fidgeted before he tossed the rag into the sink. I enjoyed flustering him. I got the disturbing feeling that no one had ever told Peaches how precious he was before. No doubt Philodendron appreciated Peaches, but that was in the manner of friendship. I’m not sure what Sedrick or I would have done if their relationship had been more than platonic.

Trying his best to ignore me, Peaches redressed, covering all that luscious, bronzed skin. When he reached for his pixie boots, I called Bree and told her Peaches would be up shortly. We were still keeping up the façade that I wasn’t well enough to operate a motor vehicle. That issue was proving more than a little irritating.

“Bree is waiting on you.” Finally pushing myself out of my comfortable chair, I sauntered toward Peaches. The appreciative look I got let me know he more than liked what he saw. I’d never been a modest creature, even when I’d been human.

“I hate leaving you,” Peaches said, rubbing his delicate hands along my shoulders, down my chest, and settling on my pecs.

“And I hate having you leave. It shouldn’t be for much longer.”

Once this situation with Frederick and those supporting him, along with the vampire council, was finished, I had every intention of modifying Peaches’s cottage, allowing me to stay there long term. I also planned on claiming him as my beloved. I’d need to discuss the meaning of that bond with Peaches soon.

We shared a final, lingering kiss before I ushered Peaches up the stairs. When he left, my home felt colder. And yet, I still had a part of Peaches that stayed with me—his blood. I doubted Peaches understood the gift he gave me, allowing me to feed. I had no intention of ever taking that gift for granted.

ChapterTwenty-Four

LUCROY

Dodging members of my nest became increasingly difficult. It was my night to visit Peaches. Rising with the setting sun, I was eager to leave my hole in the ground. I was equally eager to leave Dusk and head into the country. Funny how I’d never minded city living before now.

“Lucroy, a moment before you leave.” Leon caught me at the bar while I checked in with Lizbeth and Johnny before I headed out for the evening. Lizbeth’s hair was as white as freshly driven snow. I had no idea how her hair held up with all the chemical interference. Regardless of my ignorance, Lizbeth, as always, looked stunning.

With a nod in the direction of my corner booth, I followed Leon to a more secluded area of Dusk. The bar didn’t officially open its doors for another two hours. Lizbeth and Johnny were the first and only ones in. Still, I understood Leon’s caution.

“What do you have?” I asked, staring at the stack of envelopes and what appeared to be letters in Leon’s hand. Leon’s thin lips and a barely contained frown didn’t bode well.

“I’m afraid our little ruse is working too well.” Leon held up his hand, pushing the papers in my direction. When I didn’t reach out and grab them, Leon sighed and lowered his arm. “The nest is . . . concerned.”

I raised a single eyebrow. “Was that not our goal? To flush out those who are not loyal, to tempt those who wish to overthrow me into action.”

“Yes. And no. I’m afraid we’ve created a new type of unrest. Those who are loyal, those who care for you and do not want to see you come to a bad end, are worried.” Leon shook the stack of papers and envelopes at me. “I’ve got letters from over fifteen nestmates. The names attached to these letters have been thoroughly vetted. They’re legitimate. They’ve heard the rumors and are checking in on your well-being. They’re scared, Lucroy. I’d be scared too if I didn’t know what was truly going on.”

This development was unfortunate and . . . perhaps, unforeseen.

“It may not always seem like it, especially with vamps like Freddie around, but most of those within our nest love you—as much as any vampire is capable of love. I’m afraid our current problem is due to your popularity.”

“I . . .” I wasn’t entirely certain what to say. In some ways, I felt foolish not having realized this as a possibility. “I did not wish to create unease.” Some considered my nest akin to the Island of Misfit Toys. I had a tendency to collect vampires that didn’t fit in with other nests. My style of rule was more forgiving. I cared not for simpering fools. I did not need my ass kissed and did not require any type of tribute. A stable, loyal, and thriving nest was all I considered necessary. I had no idea what other vampire kings and queens did with the tithes taken from those within their nests. By the time one reached the age to rule, one should have enough money to live a thousand lifetimes. By that time, more was simply . . . more.

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