Page 56 of Incurably Cupid

He raised an eyebrow and smirked. "How many would you like?"

I gaped at him. "What? But I just?—"

Before I could finish, he leaned down and kissed me again. "Indie, when I said you’re my mate, I meant that you’re a compatible soulmate for me. I just kissed you. I would know."

For the first time in my life, I burst into loud, messy sobs and buried my face in Mesmer’s chest.

He picked me up effortlessly, carrying me back to his table, and settled me onto his lap. He rubbed my back in gentle circles while I soaked his shirt.

Mum and Dad arrived, and Mesmer quietly spoke with them as I struggled to regain control over my suddenly unruly emotions.

Who knew being in love could be this miserable?

Oh, that’s right.Thiscupid did!

But it was also warm, like a soft glow in my chest. Comforting. Peaceful. Beautiful. I glanced up at Mesmer, who winked at me before smirking again.

And infuriating.

I scowled at him, but his eyes softened, and filled with warmth and tenderness. He leaned down and kissed me again—never mind that my parents were probably watching us with little hearts in their eyes, overjoyed. The moment his lips met mine, the world disappeared.

Chapter 19

Indie

“Love is loyal.”

Cupid Inc. New Recruit Training Manual

As the evening wound down and Mum and Dad went to check in with Astra and Dieter, Lyrica settled into a seat at our table.

I frowned at her. “I thought I saw you. You tripped me!”

She smiled demurely, but I wasn’t buying it.

“All for a good cause,” she assured me, placing an order with a wandering waiter.

I snorted. “I was already on my way to see him.”

She shrugged, looking completely unrepentant, nodding at the people who were now staring at her because she was glowing and sparkly. “I wanted to be sure.”

Mesmer cleared his throat politely, reminding me that I hadn’t introduced him yet. I nodded at Lyrica. “Mesmer, this is Lyrica, my boss at Cupid Inc. Lyrica, this is Mesmer, my mate—which you somehow already knew.”

Lyrica’s smile was patient and kind. “You match up those with soulmates; I match up cupids.”

I blinked at her. I hadn’t even known that was a thing. “I’ve never heard of a cupid for cupids before.”

She tapped her fingers on the table, glancing around the pub with interest. I got the distinct feeling Lyrica didn’t have many opportunities to leave Devotion and explore the world. Maybe she had in her younger days, before she’d been promoted within Cupid Inc.

“Thank you, Lady Lyrica, for bringing Indie to me,” Mesmer said gravely.

Lyrica nodded, her smile sweet. "It’s lovely to meet you, Mesmer." Then she turned to me, one brow arching. "It took you long enough to realize he’s your mate."

I sat up straighter, ready to defend myself. Mesmer kept a loose but steady hold on my waist. “To be fair, how was I supposed to know he’s my mate? We’re not a species that has mates!”

Mesmer frowned, and I quickly added, "Unless we’re someone else’s mate, I meant."

His brow cleared, and he nodded in understanding.

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