Page 101 of Angel's Kiss
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Erik had not neededto borrow César to get his message to Shaya, but it had saved him some time and had hastened his journey home. It was a surprise to find Jean Paul actually awake when he returned the gelding to his stable.
“Again!” Lachenal cried, rushing towards the white horse, and Erik could not help but smile as the groom lumbered into the stable only to come face to face (or face to mask) with a ghost. “Mary Mother of Christ!”
“Go away,” Erik ordered, and Lachenal obeyed as quickly as his wobbly legs would carry him. Erik didn’t have the will to give the man anything more for whatever new tale he’d spread today. He turned his attention to César, stroking the horse’s white flank and appreciating how he nuzzled into Erik’s hand. Animals were so much better than people. So much simpler and kinder. Well, most people.
“What did you do to Jean Paul?”
He looked up to see Christine framed by the afternoon’s fading sunlight. His heart ached just to see her return to him once again. “I told him he wasn’t needed.” Christine looked dubious, as she should. “Is it done?”
“Yes. Yours?” Erik nodded. “You’re still worried though, aren’t you?”
“I don’t trust people,” Erik sighed. Christine raised an eyebrow. “Most people.”
“It will be alright. I promise.” Christine took his hands as she said it, and César whinnied in jealousy.
“I trust you,” Erik whispered. If he said it enough times, it would be true. “Were you successful with your shopping?”
“I was. And no, you cannot see. I want it to be a surprise.” Her tone was mocking, though gentle.
“Are you still put out that I won’t tell you my costume?” Erik asked and found himself for the first time since that terrible boy had ruined their peace, grinning. “I promise you will recognize me.”
“Well, we shall see if you can recognize me then too,” Christine said defiantly.
“I would know you anywhere,” Erik replied, reaching to touch her perfect face. How could someone like her even bear him? It didn’t matter. He would not let her go. “I would find you anywhere, my angel.”
