Page 79 of Falling in Love with A Tiny Bat

Helkin’s laughter shakes the very cobblestones beneath my feet. “Many young fae believe as much after their first time, but the call of the lumbar gets into their blood, keeps them coming back for more.”

Alexios juts a lip. “Is that what you call the splinters? Pity for you, I’m sure, but I never touched a log without several layers of gloves to protect me.”

Helkin laughs again, raising his hand to smack Alexios in the back.

Alexios pulls away before the man’s large hand can make contact. “Ah-ah. None of that, now. It felt like you were dislocating my ribs last time you touched me.”

“Xios!”

My back straightens asanotherperson—this time a woman with hooves—trots up to us from behind me.

When three more people swarm in, Siella flits to my side. Brushing her blue hair away from her face and cupcake-stained lips, she whispers a conspiratorial, “We could absolutely get you a custard cupcake before Xios notices you’re missing.”

“Untrue.” Alexios’s voice parts the mob around him. He frowns at Siella, and she giggles. A chilling smile overtakes him, then he addresses his adoring fans. “I apologize for this, but it seems as though someone is trying to steal my soulmate.” Without another word, he pulls a blue crystal necklace out of his pocket and puts it on. Siella giggles, along with half the others in the friendly group. Then, one by one, they quietly wave anddisperse.

I shudder once only Alexios and I are left standing together in the bustling street, people parting around us like we’re the plague. “I’ve just witnessed my worst nightmare,” I say. “I don’t know how nobody immediately broke down in tears.”

“Probably on account of my communicating beforehand. Get over here.” He hooks a finger at me.

Um. Excuse him.

“Huh, I swear someone just told me that I’m not supposed to talk to people wearing blue necklaces. I think I can catch up with Siella—” I angle myself to look around Alexios and locate the pretty faerie woman nibbling on her cupcake as she wanders into what looks like a lovely boutique.

Without any warning, Alexios procuresanotherblue crystal from his pocket and says, “We’re allowed to talk to each other. We’re together. The crystals don’t apply to members in a group.”

“What are you doing with that?” I step away from him, eyeing the blue glass.

He unclasps the long chain. “I’ll give you one hint.”

I step back again, weaving around a child, who appears to be stargazing, in the middle of the road, and—upon further inspection—appears to have the face of a ninety-year-old. “I’m allergic to that thing. I’ve come toFaerie. I want totalkto thefaeries.”

Alexios stalks after me. “I’m a faerie.”

“I talk to you all the time.”

“Zahra—”

“I’m anextrovert, dang it!” Twisting on my heel, Ibolt.

I barely make it past Cakes and Rakes, which—get this—appears to be a pastry shop mashed with a gardening store, before Alexios appears in front of me. As I skid to a halt, he holds the blue crystal he intends for me against his lips and regards me down the tip of his nose. “I’m not a hunter, snowflake. Are youreally going to make me chase you in public?”

Lifting my chin, I toss my hands to my hips. “I thought you weren’tin publicwhile you were wearingthat?”

His smile spreads against the jagged blue. “Are you afraid of what might happen if we’re bothnot in public?”

What a funny, silly man he is. “Sweetheart, we live together. If I were more worried about what might happen away fromthe public eye, you’d still be sleeping outside.” Brightening, I say, “I have agreatidea. Why don’t you give me those necklaces and your cuff links, turn into a little bat, and let me explore while you ride around on top of my head?”

He pouts.

I prep to launch myself past him once again, for funsies, but he’s clasping my hand and pressing both necklaces against my palm before I get the chance.

He murmurs, “I had hoped tonight might be romantic, but if that is nowhere near what you want, I’ll not press my wishes onto you.” Unlinking his cuffs, he drops the silver pieces on top of the necklaces. Then, he smiles. “Please just don’t forget about me. I don’t weigh much as a bat.”

Lips parted, I lay my hand on his arm, stopping him before he can shift.

His eyes catch mine, curious.

Slowly, I gather his cuff links…and give them back.

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