Page 52 of Magic in My Bones

I twisted around to face him, cupping his cheek with my palm. “And I will continue to be, for as long as you'll have me. But for now, as much as it pains me to say it, we should probably get you back to your dorm before anyone notices your absence.”

Ren winced. “Luca’s definitely noticed by now I didn’t come in last night.”

A wry grin tugged at my lips as I imagined the impish gleam in Luca's eyes, the endless teasing that would no doubt ensue. “Ah, the perils of having a perceptive roommate. Perhaps we should come up with a plausible excuse for your absence. Late night study session? Impromptu stargazing expedition?”

Ren snorted, his dark eyes dancing with amusement. “Somehow, I doubt he'll buy either of those. Luca's got a nose for gossip that rivals any bloodhound.”

He rose to his feet, stretching languidly like a contented cat. I couldn't help but admire the lean lines of his body, the strip of pale skin that peeked out as his shirt rode up. Desire stirred within me once more, but I tamped it down with a rueful shake of my head.

“Well then, I suppose we'll just have to weather the storm of his curiosity. Ren...” I caught his hand, my thumb tracing gentle circles on his wrist. “Last night was wonderful. Amazing.Everything to me. But I want this to be more than stolen moments. I'd like to continue to court you properly. More dinner dates, long walks, afternoon teas… Without any pressure to ever do more. I meant it when I said I would move at your pace.”

Ren's eyes softened, a warm smile spreading across his face. “I'd like that,” he murmured. “Very much.” He laced his fingers with mine, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “And for the record, I'm enjoying the pace we're moving at. Last night was... incredible. But I'm not in any rush. I want to savor every moment with you, Dorian.”

My heart swelled at his words, a rush of affection and gratitude flooding through me. “As do I,” I replied softly. “Every single one.”

With a tender smile, I leaned in, my lips seeking Ren's in a soft, sweet kiss. He met me halfway, his mouth warm and pliant against mine. The kiss was unhurried, a gentle exploration that spoke of affection and promise. I lost myself in the slide of his lips, the soft sigh that escaped him as I drew him closer.

Just as the kiss began to deepen, a familiar clatter of bones jolted us apart. I looked up to see Bones, my faithful skeletal companion, trotting into the room with an almost smug gleam in his empty eye sockets. His tail wagged enthusiastically, the bony appendage rattling against the hardwood floor.

“Well, good morning to you too, you incorrigible rascal,” I chuckled, reaching out to scratch Bones behind his skull. The skeleton dog leaned into my touch, his jawbone parting in a canine grin.

Ren laughed, the sound bright and warm in the cozy confines of my quarters. “I think someone's feeling left out,” he teased, crouching down to offer Bones a gentle pat. The skeleton nuzzled into Ren's hand, clearly taken with my beloved.

As if on cue, a soft rustling drew our attention to the bookshelf, where a familiar fuzzy form was making quite a meal out ofone of my treasured grimoires. “Grim!” Ren exclaimed, hurrying over to retrieve his familiar.

I chuckled as Ren scooped up the mischievous familiar, cradling Grim against his chest. “Seems like our familiars are determined to keep us on our toes this morning.”

Ren grinned, stroking Grim with a gentle finger. “They do have a knack for interrupting at the most inopportune moments, don't they?”

“Perhaps it’s for the best.” I rose from the couch, wincing slightly as my back twinged in protest. “Now, off with you,” I said, shooing him towards the door with a playful swat to his backside. “Get some proper rest in an actual bed. We'll reconvene this evening to work on your summoning skills and perhaps get some answers.”

Ren grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Yes, Professor,” he purred, the title taking on a decidedly suggestive tone.

I groaned, shaking my head even as a laugh escaped my lips. “You'll be the death of me, Ren Wickens.”

“But what a way to go.”

With that, he slipped out of my quarters, leaving me standing there with a foolish grin on my face, my heart fluttering in my chest like a lovesick schoolboy.

19

Roommate Gossip

Ren

I eased open thedoor to my dorm room, holding my breath as I tried to slip inside without a sound. The hinges let out the tiniest creak, and I froze, heart pounding. The protection runes in my clothes were still glowing faintly from Dorian's touch, and I could feel traces of his magic clinging to my skin like invisible kisses. Even my own magic felt different, deeper somehow, as if our intimate connection had altered it on a fundamental level.

Grim was still trailing silver silk behind him, each strand catching the early morning light.

Please, please don't let Luca wake up...

But as I tiptoed in, there was a rustle and a click. Light flooded the room.

“Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in!” Luca's grin was positively wicked as Thistle zoomed excited circles around my head, trailing sparkles in fairy dust. Even his plants seemed to be leaning forward eagerly, their leaves rustling with curiosity.

Thistle zoomed around the room, making vague kissing sounds.

Heat rushed to my cheeks. I must’ve looked a mess with my hair mussed, clothes askew, cheeks flushed. The textbook definition of a walk of shame. But I couldn’t keep the dopey smile off my face.

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