Page 83 of One Last Wish

IT HAD BEENtwo dayssince I’d heard from Darce. Trying to plan the fae ball was hard when I was constantly worrying about him. I had no way of knowing what was going on, or if he was even still alive. It was disheartening to realise that after all this time, I knew very little about him. It didn’t matter how many times he kept telling me that I would remember in time. Right now, I felt completely out of control and hated it!

“Have you tried messaging him?” Evelyn asked at our apartment later that night.

“Countless times. The messages don’t even go through.”

“That is weird.” She sipped her white wine and tried to give me a reassuring smile. “I’m sure he’ll be back tomorrow and have the perfect reason for why he’s been MIA.”

“He better,” I sighed, feeling a crushing pain in my chest. What if he’d left? What if I wasn’t worth the fight? How would I move on after Darce? I couldn’t, I already knew the answer.

“How is the ball planning going? Do you need any help with anything?” Evelyn asked, changing the subject.

“No. I have it all under control, but thanks.” Everything was ready for the event. I couldn't believe it was only nine days away. Darce had found a wonderful string quartet for the dance. They played classics, as well as twists on modern songs. I had finally found the perfect black and gold dress yesterday at a thrift store. It was mostly black, with a long slit that showed off my entire left leg. The bodice fit me perfectly, hugging all my curves, and had a beautiful swirl of gold that sparkled under the light. Malcom had arranged most of the equipment and hired someone to decorate the space. With the author being there, Bookends had spared no expense. All four hundred tickets were sold, and Malcolm had promised me a bonus at the end of the month. I only hoped I pulled the whole thing off. If Darce wasn’t by my side, though, I’m not sure I would.

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ONCE EVELYN AND I FINISHEDthe bottle of wine, I was ready for bed. It had been an exhausting few days worrying about everything. What if I came into my powers while Darce was away? How would I control them? Would I suddenly remember what Darce and I were to each other? That familiar pull told me deep down the first time we met, that somehow we had been destined. For what, I had no idea, but my light and his darknessmusthave something to do with it. I was caught up in his web now, and I couldn’t escape even if I wanted to. I loved him. I was inlovewith Darce Undergrove. It was etched into my very being. Whether this human form was my real form or not, I’d take my last breath if it meant saving him. If we were cursed and I could save him, I would, just as I knew he would for me.

When I opened my bedroom door, I jumped at the sight ofDarcelying on my bed.Had he been waiting for me all evening?I was with Evelyn stressing about him, and he was here the entire time! He watched me warily. I didn’t know what I wanted to do more: slap the asshole for disappearing for a few days, or launch myself at that fine body of his. As I closed the door, shadows surrounded the room.

“You can shout or scream at me, now. Evelyn won’t hear you,” Darce muttered, sitting up. “I know you’re angry with me.”

“Where thefuckhave you been?” I seethed, crossing the room. “I’ve been going out of mymind.”

“I’m sorry. I had to take care of some matters. It’s nothing that concerns you, andno, I can’t tell you about it.” I didn’t believe him. Everything Darce did seemed to be aboutme! “Alora, your hands.” I looked down as he spoke. My fingertips were lit up, and the brightest I’d ever seen. “If you want to lash out, go ahead. Let’s see what power you have in those fingertips.”

“I don’t want to hurt you,” I whispered, reaching for his face. He gave me a broad, egotistical smile.

“I can take whatever you throw at me.” Looking at his beautiful features, it was difficult to stay angry with him. As my hand caressed his face, I noticed the light was fading on my fingertips. “Once you remember everything, I won’t have to keep secrets from you.”

“The only thing I care about is that you’resafe.” Understanding registered on his face a moment before his lips pressed softly against mine. Everything else faded away, and I was surrounded by soft, caressing darkness.

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IWOKE UP EARLY TOthe feeling of Darce wrapped around me. Whatever had sent him away for a few days was playing on his mind. His need to feel me close was evident by the way his arms held me tightly against his firm body.

“You’re afraid of losing me again, aren’t you?” I whispered, knowing he was awake by the way his breath hitched.

“Fear is one word for it,” he sighed, inhaling my hair. “You are the only phobia I have, Alora. I’m fearless, except when it comes to you.”

“I feel the same way about you. You know that, right?” He stilled behind me, so I turned to face him. I traced his jawline before running my fingertips over his bottom lip. “I might not knowwhatorwhoI am—Shit! I don’t even know if I’mhuman—but one thing I am sure of is how Ifeelabout you. How I’vealwaysfelt about you.” I pressed my lips against his. Darce deepened the kiss, rolling us so I was underneath him.

“In all this madness,thisis the only thing that makes sense to me.” Darce began to trail kisses down my neck as his hands made quick work of the top and panties I was wearing. “I’m a slave for you, Alora. I always will be.” His tongue moved lower, flicking over my waiting nipples.

“Please...” I groaned, feeling his fingers touch my core and igniting that familiar desire within me. “Please, don’t stop. Claim me!” I’d never been so desperate to have him inside me as right now. “Darce, please!” Clawing at his back, I tried to pull him closer. I needed to find a way to make him lose control.

“Not yet, Alora,” he cooed between my breasts. “We’re getting closer, though. I can feel your binds beginning to break.”Binds?“I want to get lost in you. Can you give me that?” Of course, I’d give him anything.

“You have me, Darce. Do with me as you wish.” He gave in with a groan, and darkness surrounded us as he took me to heights I didn’t know existed.

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IBLINKED, AND IT WASa day before the ball. I was a heaping pile of nerves, hoping all my planning had worked. Daisy, Theo and Darce had tried their best to calm me, but as panic set in, I could hardly breathe.

“Alora,” Darce took my face in his hands, “everything is going to be fine. You’re only freaking out because you care. Thesefeelings, they areallnew to you.”

“What if I’ve forgotten to do something?”

“Then we will sort ittogether. You’ve covered all the bases, though. You have nothing to worry about.”

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