Page 74 of Faking with the Fae King

His green eyes heat as they scour over me, eating me up. “You’re so very beautiful, my betrothed.”

The butterflies pound espresso shots and go wild, fluttering so hard my heart skips.

“Are you ready for our date?” He offers me his elbow.

I slip my hand around his arm, enjoying the feel of strong muscle flexing under my fingers. “Yes.”

Yes to the date. Yes to like-liking him. Yes to whatever tonight may bring.

Just all the yes.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Severin

Hannah’s a vision of loveliness, the graceful layers of the Faerie silk dress swirling around her and offering teasing glimpses of skin. The rich brown of her glossy hair tempts me to touch, and a shadow sneaks up for a quick caress.

I lead her across the street to the town green, keeping a layer of shadows between her and the surprise waiting at the center. Once we step onto the grass, I slow us to a stop. “Close your eyes.”

She does as I ask without question, without hesitation. Her trust in me causes the strangest feeling in my chest, one I can’t name but want more of.

I dismiss my shadows and pause for a moment, taking one last look at all of the preparations, wanting—needing—everything to be perfect. Tonight, I’ll convince Hannah that what is between us is far more than aside-effect of magic, that we have something real.

A table sits in the middle of the green, covered with a silver table cloth and topped with gold place settings and cutlery. The finest crystal stemware awaits the pour of the rare vintages of wine brought from my cellars.

Tiny globes of magical light float all around, lighting the scene. The walking tulips agreed to temporarily root in a circle around the table to add another layer of beauty.

At my signal, a wood nymph begins to play a harp, the liquid notes flowing through the cool evening air in a river of lovely sound.

Hannah’s eyes snap open, going wide. I watch several emotions flicker over her face, savoring each one, shock, wonder, and yet more surprise as she spots each new item. Her expression settles into one of delight.

This is good. I’ve never done anything like this for anyone, yet I approached it in much the same way as my previous military campaigns. I delegated tasks better left to others, then hovered over them until they completed their duties to my utmost specifications. When you have a reputation like mine, all you need to do is throw in a few glowers and questioning grunts, and underlings becomequitemotivated.

Every single moment spent on this most excellent date becomes instantly worth it when Hannah looks at me, admiration warming her beautiful brown eyes and making their gold flecks sparkle.

“Severin, this is amazing! It’s…” She turns to look at the table again before meeting my gaze. “It’s more than anyone’s ever done for me.”

Good. That’s exactly what I want to hear. I want no other to compare.

I want her to be mine, body and soul.

“The best is yet to come,” I promise as I lead her to her seat and pull out her chair. Once she’s settled, I sit across from her, the table small enough that our knees brush. I open and pour the chilled white wine that goes with the starting courses, leaving the breathing red to wait until the entrée.

In a ripple of magic, a brownie appears beside the table. Two-foot tall, she matches her name, her pale skin offset by brown eyes, a tall puff of straight brown hair, and clothing made of various shades of brown leaves. “I am Pepperpot, and I will be your chef tonight.”

She disappears, and Hannah asks, “What kind of fae is she? Does she teleport like Naomi?”

“She’s a brownie, and she’s using invisibility magic.”

Pepperpot steps back into view, holding a basket full of nirvana. As soon as she sets it on the table, I snag a roll, then remember my manners and place one on Hannah’s appetizer plate as well.

The yeasty smell hits me the moment I slice into the warm bread with my knife, and I almost shove it into my watering mouth without buttering it first. But no, bread this good deserves to be enjoyed properly.

That first bite is everything I’ve been missing, the bread so light and airy its perfect taste melts across my tongue. I moan.

Hannah watches me, an amused smile curling her lips. She’ll see. Oh, how she’ll see.

I slide the crock of butter closer to her and gesture, thentake another bite of bliss.

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