Page 43 of Chaos Carnival

She stilled, her eyes searching mine, and a mix of emotions flickered. “No…“

I stroked a thumb over her cheek, suddenly serious. “You know it did. What I do know is that I can’t get enough of you.” I leaned down, my lips brushing hers, and whispered, “And I think you know what I mean.”

She pushed at my chest again, but this time softer, hesitation in her eyes. “We can't do this, Maverick. Not now. We have to focus on Addie, on stopping Ivan. My world is ending, and you want to have a heart-to-heart?”

I laughed, pulling her close, and whispered, “Maybe I just want a quickie.”

She tried to pull away, but I held her, my hands sliding down to cup her perfect ass. “One more round, baby,” I murmured. “You know you want to.”

“We don't have time for this.” She gave me a little shove, and I let her go, watching as she stormed into the bathroom.

Damn, she was something else all fired up like that.

I stretched, reveling in the ache of my body from everything we'd done last night and how refreshed I felt. Recitingincantations with your clothes off, intertwined with such a gorgeous woman, it had its perks. Add in the healing of this fucking poison, and I felt like a new man. My skin buzzed with renewed energy, and my body felt whole, the freezing pain gone. For now.

I dressed quickly, tossing on the same clothes we’d arrived in and waited. After a while I spared a glance at the bathroom door, wondering what she was doing in there.

Taking her sweet time, probably pissed at me, but I had a talent for getting under Tess's skin. She didn't stay mad for long, though, and I knew she'd come around.

Finally, the door opened, and damn, she looked good. Still a little rumpled from last night, her hair wild and sexy, her makeup smudged just enough.

I grinned at that familiar pull toward her. “You look like you got fucked good.”

She scowled at me, crossing her arms. “How are we getting home? Can't exactly teleport with those hunters on our tails.”

I winked at her. “I've got a guy. We're meeting him at a private airport after breakfast. Should be smooth sailing from here.”

She grumbled something under her breath but nodded. “Fine. Good. Let's just get out of here.”

As we checked out of the motel, I was almost sad to leave. But we had a lot to do.

Traversing the streets of Paris, looking for a place to grab some breakfast, I slipped my arm around Tess's waist. She stiffened at first, but then relaxed, leaning into me. I pulled her close, breathing in the fragrance of her hair.

“Let's enjoy this while we can,” I murmured, nuzzling her neck. “Who knows what chaos awaits us back home?”

She snorted, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “With you around? All the chaos. All the time“

I grinned, pleased with myself. “That's the spirit, baby. Let's go find some croissants and café au lait first.”

Chapter 18: Divided Sanctuary

Tess

Thesurroundingsofthealley way by the restaurant we'd agreed to meet in appeared as we made our way from down the road. Stone and Lux were already there, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion. Lilith appeared beside us a moment later, her arrival accompanied by a faint odor of brimstone.

Stone's eyes narrowed as he took in our new companion. “What the hell is going on?” he demanded, his voice low and dangerous. “Is this Lilith? Baphomet's sister?” The name came out like a curse.

I glanced at Maverick, silently pleading for him to take the lead on this one. He stepped forward, his posture tense. “Yes. She's here to help.”

“Help?” Stone's face darkened. “After what her brother did to us?”

I squared my shoulders, meeting their accusatory stares. The tension in the alley thickened, and Maverick shifted closer to me.

Lilith's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. “My brother's deals are his. I have my own reasons for wanting to help you.”

“Help us?” Stone's voice dripped with skepticism. “The same demon Baphomet specifically kept us away from during our escape? Have you lost your mind, Maverick?”

Lilith smirked, clearly enjoying the tension her presence was causing. “Now, now,” she purred. “My brother may have been overprotective back then. But times change, don't they?”

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