Page 102 of Crown of the Fae King

“Mm?”

“There’s something I need to tell you before…before we head in the other direction.”

He grinned. “And what’s that?”

“I…” I laughed, not believing I was going to spill my worst secret so early in a relationship. “I…can’t have children.”

“Does that make you sad?”

“It does. It always has.”

“Then I believe you mean you can’t bear children. It doesn’t mean you can’t raise one.” He took a step, then checked my face. “Can we carry on, then?”

“If you still want to…knowing…”

“Oh, Lennon. I hope this hasn’t been the reason for…” He gestured to all the onlookers. “All this.”

“It’s not. I mean, I’m glad it doesn’t make you run in the opposite direction. That’s the typical response.”

“Then I’m glad I’m not typical.” He stopped and pulled me into his arms again, kissed me again. Our silent conversation was much more interesting than the other one, but again, people started choking.

Griffon pulled back and whispered. “I feel like our love is endangering lives.”

The word lovelifted me off the ground about three feet. It was a wonder I could still reach Griffon’s hand.

We finally left our floral sanctuary and walked—and floated--along the edge of the Thames. He wanted to know about my childhood home, pitied me for my lack of family, but was glad that I’d been well loved by my grandmother and my well-meaning mother. He talked about his siblings, and I was jealous I hadn’t had similar experiences.

“But I guess I sort of have them now. Kitchens and I tease each other quite a bit. Persi is always willing to get into trouble, and Urban’s wife, Everly, is like a big sister. She likes to talk makeup and fashion, but she’s badass. And Urban is definitely the big brother I never had.”

“The terrifying man from the café?”

I grinned. “That’s Urban.” I nodded to the big shadow leaning against a tree a hundred yards away, his wife nearby.

We walked in silence for a bit. “And Wickham?” Griffon asked as if there had been no pause in the conversation.

“Wickham?” I rolled my eyes. “I guess he’s the big moody older brother who thinks he needs to run the show.”

“But still a brother?”

“Oh, yes. Definitely. I mean, he’s married and…”

I wanted the sidewalk to open up and swallow me. I’d just given away valuable information to a possible fairy. And though I couldn’t imagine Griffon using that information against Wickham, for my sake, it was a huge gaffe. I’d have to confess it.

“He’s marriedand?”

I shook my head and forced a smile to my lips. “Sorry. Forgot what I was going to say. I just…”

He stopped again. “What is it? I apologize. I cannot help but be jealous of a man who controls your time and attention. But I confess I am relieved to hear he is married.”

“Yeah, well. It wouldn’t matter either way. He’s like a brother to me. I’d…protect him with my life, but there’s nothing…there.”

He laughed. “Perhaps he’s cast a spell on you.”

I stopped, watched his face. “What?”

“Maybe he’s slipped you a reverse love potion. You know, so you don’t fall in love with him.”

I started breathing again. “Oh? You think all women are suckers for that hot Highlander look?”

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