Page 57 of Incurably Cupid

Lyrica chuckled. “Yes, it surprises many cupids that they sometimes have mates. But that’s just how love works sometimes.”

I leaned forward, putting my elbows on the table. “Does Mordecai have a mate?” I could ask that, right? He was my friend, and I was just looking out for him.

Lyrica smiled knowingly and shook her head at me. Technically, we weren’t supposed to talk about our assignments or their potential matches, but cupids had never really followed that rule. I had a feeling Lyrica would tell me. If for no other reason than so I could tease Mordecai relentlessly—like any good friend would.

“Let me put it this way: she’s someone you’d get along with quite well.”

I gaped, then shut my mouth. Me? I would get along with her? I could infer so many things from that, but I really hoped it meant she was a firecracker, because Mordecai needed someone fearless and capable of outwitting him at every turn. And I admitted, as his friend, that this was sometimes difficult since he was ridiculously clever.

Mesmer chuckled and raised his glass. "To Mordecai’s mate, whoever she is."

I raised my glass too. "May she be fearless—because she’s going to need to be."

“May she be intelligent,” Mesmer added.

“And may she be prettier than he is,” I said, clinking my glass with his.

Lyrica laughed and raised the water glass that had just been delivered to her. “And may she run him in circles until he can’t even see straight.”

“Hear, hear,” we cheered.

After a thoughtful moment, I said quietly, “And may her fierce love begin to heal his broken heart and soul.”

“Hear, hear,” Mesmer and Lyrica murmured.

Later that night,as we exited the taxi, and I helped Mesmer find his seat on his wheelchair, he took my hand, and I kept pace with him and Lance as we made our way to our rooms.

“Last night here at the hotel, and then we can go back to my house in Devotion. You should be strong enough tomorrow.”

“I should be strong enough tonight, but we can wait until tomorrow to be sure.”

I pulled out my key card, opened my door, and turned to him. “Wanna come in for a bit? We can watch a movie or something?”

He smiled. “I might fall asleep, but if you don’t mind that, I’d love to spend more time with you tonight.”

Gah. What did I ever do to deserve someone this sweet?

As a cupid, I wouldn’t have paired myself with someone who had Mesmer’s kindness and thoughtfulness before I met him, but he really did it for me. I was ruined forever because he was just that amazing.

As I stepped aside to let him and Lance in, Mesmer hesitated and glanced at his wheelchair. "Lance, do you want to hang out in our room, or..."

I snorted. I adored that he was trying so hard to figure out what a fae wheelchair would do if given the night off. “It’s not like he’s going to go dancing.”

Lance turned to face us. “I’ll stay here, boss, just in case you need me. And I’ll have you know, Indie, that this fae wheelchair can cut a rug!”

I laughed and patted his seat back. “Best dancing wheelchair on the planet, I’m sure. Have a good night, Lance.”

“Night.”

The moment we walked into my room, I noticed right away that it was freezing. “Stars and hearts, it’s cold in here!” I moved to shut the window I had accidentally left open earlier, but Mesmer held me back with a gentle hand. He was glancing around the room, frowning, and alert.

Oh. Right. Bodyguard.

“I left my window open accidentally earlier. Sorry, my fault.”

He nodded, relaxing slightly. “I’ll check the entire room, just in case. You stay here.” He pointed to my exact spot near the door, his eyes threatening dire consequences if I moved.

I snarkily saluted him, and he smirked at me before checking the room and clearing it. When he finished, I kissed him as a reward for trying to keep me safe, and just because I could. The kiss grew pretty heavy before Mesmer pulled back and kissedmy nose, then my forehead, slowing us down and returning to something sweet and unhurried.

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