Page 164 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

“I don’t regret it, but…” I trail off.

His expression softens as he tilts his head down to look at me.

“I’m embarrassed,” I whisper, my cheeks flushing with heat.

“Why would you be embarrassed?” he questions, his voice laced with concern.

“How can I not be? I…I…I behaved like a feline in heat,” I admit, a flush of embarrassment flooding through me again.

A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips and his eyes sparkle with amusement.

“A feline in heat?” he repeats, raising a brow.

“Don’t you dare make fun of me!” I playfully jab my elbow into his side.

“Ouch! Fine, fine. I won’t make fun of you,” he concedes with a chuckle. “But really, there’s no need to be embarrassed. What happened between us is completely natural?—”

“But—” I try to interject.

He cuts me off with a finger pressed lightly against my lips.

“Answer this. Do you want me to kiss you again?” he asks quietly, his eyes searching mine.

Without hesitation, I nod. How could I not want more of his intoxicating kisses?

With a mischievous glint in his eye, he leans down and presses a quick peck against my lips.

“Then there you have it,” he says with a grin. “You should never be embarrassed with me, my tiny darling. Never.”

“All right.” I smile shyly. “But remember. You promised your courtship would not interfere with the mission,” I remind him sternly, my brows furrowed as I search for the right word. “As such, I would ask of you to temper your…”

“My…?” he prompts, a teasing glint in his eye.

“Your appeal,” I say firmly, trying to quell the fluttering in my stomach his charm and playful banter caused. “Please tone it down so I can focus on the matter at hand.”

“Right. I must not distract you with my handsomeness and my skillful kisses.” He grins, leaning closer to me.

I elbow him playfully, trying to hide my own smile.

“Eyes on the road,” I scold, though my lips curl up in amusement.

“Minnie, would it cost you too much to admit that I’m handsome?” he asks with an exaggerated pout. “Or that you all but melted in my arms?”

“I will neither admit nor deny,” I reply coyly. “The matter is adjourned.”

“Cruel, cruel female.” He sighs dramatically, pressing a hand against his heart. “See, my heart ailment has now returned.”

I roll my eyes at his theatrics. Though I may still be learning about human customs and emotions, I am not as gullible as I once was.

“If your heart ailment is truly so serious, perhaps I should leave you behind,” I suggest slyly, stealing a quick glance at him. “I wouldn’t want you to get any sicker. Traveling through a portal can be quite strenuous, especially for someone with a delicate human constitution.”

He blinks in surprise before recovering with a grin. It seems he didn’t expect such a response from me.

He suddenly stops, his eyes closed and arms outstretched, taking deep, measured breaths. The sun casts a warm glow on his face as he basks in the open air.

“What are you doing?” I frown, checking my watch. “We’re on a tight schedule.”

“It’s gone.” He sighs in relief, a smile spreading across his face. “I am now cured. Let us continue.”

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