Page 50 of Peacock Me Like a Hurricane

She sighs. “I agree; it’s been sucky.”

A wine glass appears in her hand and then one on the table in front of me. They contain what smells like a nice cabernet. I can’t tell if that’s her magick or a piece of Taurus that fueled that little trick. He might be right to keep her from the powers that be. Our employers would bevery interestedin her skill set and I’m not sure it would be a good thing.

“There’s a lot of Taurus in this room—wood paneling, expensive taste, disappearing fixtures—but there’s an awful lot of you, too.”

“I’m infectious, I’ll admit. He’s been doing the work—or paying for it—but I like to leave my mark on a space.” Her eyes dance and I look over at the infamous bed, chuckling.

It’s not at all Taurus’ normal style, but it fits perfectly with my picture of him when he’s with her. “Well, heisTaurus. He enjoys having his conveniences.”

“Truer words, dear. I added some things I frequently need as well. Since I tend to leave a bit of a mess, I have Hex sneak in occasionally to do cleaning while we’re gone. I’ve been spoiled by his major domo routine at my house, I’m afraid.”

I look at her seriously, this glimpse of her personality making me see why he’s so enchanted. She’s almost the polar opposite of me: erratic, soft, emoting from every pore, and above all, head over heels for my larger-than-life mate. “He loves you very much.”

“I love him, too,” she smiles widely, her face lighting up. “I’m so very glad to have him.”

I believe her. She’s oozing with happiness and I feel the enormity of her emotions. I smile warmly, happy for them both. “I can tell because you glow. Er, sorry, I’m not purposely trying to read you, but it’s radiating off you.”

She laughs again. “I have that problem a lot. Everything about me is kind of huge. Not intentionally, it just is.”

“I understand that.” I tilt my head, watching her knead her toes into the tiger’s back.

The damned thing is purring! She’s like a fucking fairy tale, I swear.

“My primary reason for stopping by is to tell you that I’m glad that he found you. I’m equally glad that you found him. I think you’re good for him—in more ways than I can tellyou. He might, if you ask, because he’s painfully honest about everything.”

Another broad beam and the room fills with a warmth that is, as she said, infectious. “He’s definitely good for me. I’m sure he’d love to list the ways for both of us if we’d let him.”

“I also wanted to ask you about something.”

Her head tilts as if she’s pondering. “Shoot.”

“I’m not one to mince words. Despite our long history of despising one another, Sari has approached me several times while Taurus has been occupied with you. I figured if he could extend a branch, I could try, so I humored her. However, lately, Wilde has been along for the ride and he’s posed a question.”

She jumps to attention as if I shot her—no longer lounging in the chair but straight as a steel bar. The surrounding air is filled with tension and… fear? I watch her struggle with herself, trying to figure out how to mask the discomfort that’s taking her over. “He has?”

I sigh. “Am I the only one feeling uncomfortable?”

“Um, period, or just here?” She fidgets, picking at her nails. The tiger sits up immediately, putting its head on her knee as if trying to ground her.

“Maybe a little of both. I feel like I invaded your space, but also, the question made you anxious.”

“It’s bound to feel weird because we don’t know one another well. I don’t mind you here, and I’m sure it will be easier with time.” Licking her lips, she draws in a slow breath. Everything in her body looks like it’s ready to explode. Her expression is flickering like she can’t get control of her emotions. “What-what did he ask you, Talia?”

“He asked if he could court me.”

The air in the room gets heavier and I feel a twinge of anger—white hot and raging—join the fear. A wave of emotions rolling off her nearly chokes me, and I watch as the candles flicker andthe glass in her hand wavers. Something is very off with her and Wilde. I don’t know what it is, but for someone who is used to him seeing other people, this response is off the charts.

“He did, did he? Well, uh, if you want to, you can, but…” she stops, clearly searching for the right words. “There’s a lot going on since Rhea. Her betrayal is affecting all of us in different ways.” She shifts uncomfortably, and the tiger nudges her hand, getting her attention again.

I should change the topic before she gets upset. “I appreciate the welcome, Deli. The two of you are so wrapped up in each other right now that it doesn’t breed a lot of cocktail parties for the family. But when it’s time, I’d love to get together more often.” I smile, trying to bring us back to the light again before Taurus comes barging in to kill me.

“That’s true. However, I don’t mind the family dropping in, even if Mr. Grumpy Pants does. He needs to socialize more.”

“He’s been hurt. It will get better for him eventually.”

“Ain’t that the truth. It wasn’t a pleasant situation to come back to this world and get stuck in the middle of this shit. I hate that for him.”

“One reason I haven’t come over sooner is that I didn’t want what you’ve been told about me to affect your budding relationship with Taurus. And by budding, I mean full fricking bloom.” I give her a teasing smile and I feel the tension seep out of her. She’s relaxed now that Sari and Wilde are no longer being discussed.

---