Page 59 of Beneath the Starlight and Storms

“Sleep well?”

My smile falls as I spot Hook leaning against the doorway. I try to gauge his expression for something that will tell me what he’s feeling. But he looks as hesitant as I feel.

Is he still angry? Am I?

“Breakfast.” Hook tilts his head to the bedside table where a full spread of fruits and the buttery pastries I’ve come to love lay. Along with a steaming cup of coffee.

I mumble a thank you before glancing up at him. “About last night…”

A flare of anger flashes through his eyes as he continues to stare at me. But I know this time his anger isn’t aimed at me.

“I didn’t know about Ben… what he did… What he wasgoingto do. This Realm is new, but I shouldn’t have been so naïve. It won’t happen again.”

As if my words were all he needed to hear, he adopts his normal confident stance but with a softer smile.

“I need to go on an…errand,” he tells me.

I nod and reach over to get my coffee while it’s still hot and take a sip. Even though I don’t really need it right now, I’ve come to enjoy it and don’t think I can live without it anymore.

“Come with me?”

I freeze and glance over at Hook, thinking he’d already left.

“Why?” After last night, I thought he’d try to lock me up and throw away the key…. welltry, at least.

He raises a brow, but there’s a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. “You said you wanted to experience new things.”

I nod a reply as I wait for the catch.

“Eat up and I’ll bring you someplace fun.” He leaves with a smile on his face, making me weary of what I might have accidentally agreed to.

But as soon as I realize I’m going to see more of this Realm, a flutter of excitement rushes through me as I quickly devour my food and rush to get ready.

A pull on a pair of soft trousers Cash told me were jeans and match it with a short silk cream blouse that has long sleeves, a tight bodice, and a low dipping back with a bow. I leave my long blonde hair down in its normal waves, throw on a pair of flat shoes and rush downstairs hoping Hook hasn’t already left without me.

“Hey.”

I stop on my way out of the main door and turn to Cash.

“Going somewhere?” He asks.

I nod. “Hook has to go out on an errand and wants to bring me along.”

Cash’s eyes light up. “Is that what he said?”

“What do you mean?” I narrow my eyes on him.

Cash walks backwards, a cheeky smile on his face. “Oh, nothing. Have fun.” He turns and disappears before I get the chance to ask him anything else.

I sigh, already starting to regret my choice as I head for the car. Hook is leaning against it, his head turned to the side as he gazes out around him. His clothes are more casual than usual, with a dark pair of trousers and a black top. It’s rolled up to reveal the black ink running down his arms. Reminding me of his broken wings and what he told me.

But I quickly stop myself from going down that pixie hole, especially when it only leads me to think about every inch of his hard body.

He turns and spots me, smiling immediately before opening the door for me.

“Your chariot awaits, my lady.”

Cash’s words play on my mind, and I start to wonder if he’s trying to trick me.

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