Page 357 of Flirting with Darkness

Recalling the day she brought orange and cranberry scones by her uncle’s office for his birthday, my heart flutters. Elysian was grumbling with his secretary, barely offering a lick of gratitude for his niece’s kind gesture, when she offered me a scone. With the way she perched the basket near her bosom, it didn’t take much persuasion for me to take a bite. But it was by far the best thing I ever tasted. Scones can usually taste like day old bread, but hers was sweet and moist. Just like her.

I told her she should make more and sell them at the next festival, to which she blushed. Yet seeing how she named them after me, reassures me my opinion matters to her.

Trailing my hand along her bedspread, my thoughts return to the intimacy we shared last night. Memories of her beautiful body laid before me move straight to my groin and I wish she were in my arms. Heaving in copious amounts of her scent as I lift a pale blue satin chemise from her side chair near the window, I whisperI love youin Nether tongue as my abandoned thoughts linger on last night.

The sweet, dulcet sound of Rae laughing turns my attention out of the window. Gazing through the blinds, the sight of her lovely face laughing as she skates holding her cousin’s hand makes me smile. All I want is to see the light of the sun shining on her face, and her world happy. I know it will take more than an apology before her family accepts all we’ve become to one another in such a short time, but I will do all I can to earn their forgiveness and trust again.

For a moment I am happy watching Rae and the Elysian family, but when I see Lux and a few other supernaturals come into view, a tinge of anger gnaws within me. And something else. Jealousy.

I spent years inserting myself into the Elysian family and becoming a trusted ally. To now see all I worked for so easily substituted by that hybrid wolf, Lux, enrages me to new heights. Not that I envy his pairing with Winter; I am happy that she is happy. But it’s time I set things right. Or at least try.

23

RAE

“You look beautiful, Rae,” Aunt Vivian says, offering us cups of hot chocolate. “Is that a new outfit?”

“Yes, it is lovely,” Ross adds, skating up to me from behind. He shoots me a look, but I brush him off.

“Aww, did you get it for Rae for Christmas?” Winter asks, smiling broad as Lux walks toward us. “I mean it looks like it was tailored made for you.”

“Oh, yes it sure fits like a glove!” Ross snips over his shoulder, shooting me a cagey grin.

“Well I bet you can’t wait to take that coat off so you can strut and show it off!” Winter gleams.

Gently bumping into my shoulder, Ross raises a brow. “You need to keep it on.”

“Enough about me,” I push by Ross, skating closer to the bench where my aunt is seated. “How’s the birthday girl? And the happy couple?” I force a wide smile as I watch the dreamy-eyed stare my cousin grants her fiancé.

She beams bright. “I’m good! I meanweare good!” Winter locks her arm tight with Lux as the two share a laugh.

Lux offers a gracious smile in return, but all I can think about is where is he hiding Kharon’s obol. His pants are firm fitting, so much so they seem to keep no secrets. I flit my eyes around a bit, hopeful no one sees me giving my cousin’s beau a once over. If it wasn’t bad enough, I seemed to be the odd one out, pining over Kharon as he pursued my cousin, I certainly don’t want to appear like I’m doing the same to Lux. I’m sure anyone would find Lux’s creamy brown skin, dark wavy hair, and taut musculature an impeccable find, but he is no Kharon Nyx.

My Kharon.

“But how are you doing, Rae?” Winter asks, her tender eyes searching mine. “I know everything was just too much for you last night and that’s why you left. I wanted to come and check on you, but Ross insisted we give you some space.”

Ross glares at me over Winter’s shoulder. Twisting his mouth, he shoots me a knowing glance that I hope no one else sees.

“I’m fine.” I force my words. I really don’t want anyone making a fuss over me. “I just needed a little space like Ross said.” I try to lift my mouth into a smile, but with the wary eyes of everyone watching me, my attempts falter. Then I remember. “But it’s Christmas! And your birthday. No time to dally on the negatives.” I add, taking a small sip of my cocoa.

“Rae is right,” Aunt Vivian says, taking my hand in hers and giving it a squeeze. “But I’m going to take my old lady bones inside before I freeze. Win, darling, enjoy your lesson. I need to find your father. Something tells me he’s wandered back into the kitchen for more bacon.”

Shaking her head as she walks away, she stops to talk to Melchior who is holding himself up at the fence.

“What’s wrong with Melchior?” I ask, standing from my seat. Everyone turns to look and I’m thankful to avert any attention from myself.

“Your cousin said his knee gave out,” Stephen, Ross’s new plaything says coming to our huddle. My brother’s face brightens as he studies his favorite lumberjack’s steps as he makes his way to us. “I think your aunt told him not to push himself too hard.”

“Well you just push your handsome self right to my side, boyfriend,” Ross coos, extending his arms wide for Stephen. The two share a quick kiss before Ross leans back, examining Stephen like he just struck gold. “And look at you looking all lovely. I’ve never seen anything nicer on ice.”

Stephen blushes beneath his thick beard, shrugging his shoulders awkwardly. “Good morning, everyone!” He waves. Ross, however, keeps his arms wrapped tight around Stephen’s waist, grinning like the same giddy fool he accused of me.

As we belt a greeting in unison, I can’t help being happy for my brother. He’s spent so much time being such a playboy, he seems to have found a little something more in Stephen. While I’m hardly one to believe in the impossible these days, Stephen might actually be the one to make my twin settle down.

“I’m sure Big Mel will be just fine,” Ross says, returning our attention to our cousin. “I mean he just got back from Dante’s Inferno. I think he could use a breather.”

Winter casts a puzzled stare. “Dante’s Inferno?”

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