Page 43 of Deviled Eggs

“I need to repent after that.”

“It feels like I should throw anamenin there,” I tease as I pull off him, and he chuckles along with me.

“That was incredible.” A blissed-out smile spreads over his lips, and he’s more relaxed than I’ve ever seen him.

“Come on.” I hover over him and unhook the leash, pressing a soft kiss on his mouth. “Let’s get you in the bath.”

“Don’t I need to…” His gaze moves down to my groin, and it breaks my heart that he assumes this is transactional. That I might require payment.

“This was about you,” I say, and he knits his eyebrows as another wave of sadness hits me. If he won’t listen to my words,I’ll have to prove it to him. But as I glance into his vulnerable eyes, I know that’s easier said than done.

I scoop him into my arms, grinning when he gasps and gapes at me. “Never been carried, angel?”

“Well, no,” he sputters, and I laugh.

“Your body just went through a lot, and I have to make sure you take care of yourself.”

“Why?”

If my heart could fall right out of my chest, that question would’ve given it the final shove. “Why should you take care of yourself?” I repeat, and he gives me a timid nod. “Because you belong to me, and I protect what’s mine.” He groans as I place him inside the tub and the hot water envelopes him.

Pushing his hair back, I see the insecurity in his bright eyes as they lock with my dark ones. The disbelief that my words are true. “And because you are important, Micah. Not just to me.”

“Everyone hates me,” he mutters, closing his eyes again as the shimmery locks of his white hair float in the rising water. “Why don’t you?”

Because I love you.The truth of it hits me like a physical blow—a clamp on my chest that compresses until I’m afraid the words might bleed right out of me.

But because I am a coward, I don’t let them find the light of day. Instead, I nudge him to scoot forward, and I climb in behind him as he leans back against my chest. Even with the size of the tub, it’s crowded with both of us, but it doesn’t bother me as I lift my knees to make room.

“They don’t know you like I do,” I finally say, and he sighs as I curl my arms around his chest, pressing a kiss against his hair. “And that’s their loss.”

Chapter 16

Xalreth

Micah stands to the side as I change, chewing on his lip as he stares out the window. Tensions have been high between us for the past few days, ever since the night in the tub. The realization of the extent of my feelings left me reeling, and I’ve been closed off and flighty.

He hasn’t commented on my shift in mood. He’s simply backed away and given me space to deal with my head. But where he used to shine like the sun when it was just the two of us, now his light has dimmed.

It’s my fault, and I hate myself for causing it.

My irritation is with myself, but I can’t seem to let go of it. Damien’s insistent summons aren’t helping. He’s reached out at least twice a day since that afternoon at the meeting, evenarriving at my apartment unannounced. I’ve dodged him so far, but it can only last for so long. He’ll catch me eventually, and I have no idea what to say to him.

“You’re certain we’ve got the suit right this time?” My tone is snippy, and I’m immediately hit with a punch of guilt at my temper, but I can’t stop myself from being short with him. “This isn’t some human fetish that we haven’t discovered?” Micah hesitates, and I throw my hand against his abdomen. “Tellme you don’t have me in yet another human sex suit?”

“There… may have been a few mentions of the concept of ‘furries.’”

“What the fuck is afurry, Micah?”

“Well, from what I understand, it’s a mating ritual where humans dress up in… outfits.”

“What kind of outfits?” I ask through gritted teeth, and he flinches as he gestures up and down my body.

“This kind. But I’ve been assured it’s very niche, and this particular outfit is widely recognized as being tied to the Easter Bunny.” I heave a long, loud exhale as I stare down at my costume. It’s a white, furry suit with a pastel pink oval sewn for the stomach, and I rest the oversized head against my hip. I won’t be wearing the head. Instead, I’ll rely on Micah’s magic to illusion me to take on its appearance.

“I cannot believe I ever agreed to this,” I mutter under my breath.

“Oh, stop being a baby,” Micah snaps, rightfully sick of my temper. “Your face is going to be disguised by my glamour. No one will even know it’s you.”

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