Page 60 of Oleander
We walk hand in hand, exploring the gardens at our own leisure, stopping for photos and water breaks. I wander over to the glass barrier perimeter and lean my forearms on top, peering out at Blossom City, the river Sol, and the mountains of Auroria beyond that. I’ve come a long way in the short time since Flame waltzed into my tower and informed me that I was going to Elemental Academy, whether I liked it or not. And I have to admit that it’s all thanks to an amazing, if not slightly reckless, half-Fae who blew into my world like the whirlwind he is.
I’m pulled from my thoughts when strong arms wrap around me from behind. The soothing scents of bergamot and citrus envelop me, instantly calming me with a familiarity that’s starting to feel like home. Skyler rests his chin on my shoulder,peering out at the beautiful view with me. “Whatcha thinkin’ about?” he asks in that sexy, human accent of his.
“Just thinking about how good it feels to be out in public, living my life so freely, and it’s all thanks to you.” I admit the last part quietly.
Skyler spins me around, caging me against the glass railing with his bulkier body. “You’re the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time, Ander. If not ever. It feels good to me, too.” Skyler brushes the hair back from my forehead, skimming his fingers along my scalp and tucking it behind the tip of my ear. Tingles dance across my skin, making goosebumps pebble. Skyler’s hand continues its descent down my arm, lacing our fingers together and gently tugging. “Come on. We’ve got a lot more to see. Show meallthe plants, fairy boy,” he teases, lightening the mood.
After we spend another hour exploring the gardens, we work up an appetite, both of our stomachs growling loudly. “I thought we could have a picnic lunch up here, so I, uh. . .” I rub the back of my neck, hoping I didn’t go overboard on our first date. “I reserved the east garden for us to eat in privacy.”
Skyler blinks twice. “Like theentirefloating island?”
“Yes. Well, just the smallest one. I hope it will be to your liking. Suka texted that he just dropped off the picnic basket if you’re ready now?”
I’m regretting it all. It’s too much. Too over the top. He’s going to hate it.
“Hell yeah! I’m starving.” Skyler’s smile is wide and genuine, instantly putting me at ease and reassuring me that I didn’t go overboard.
His one dimple pops out, practically begging for a kiss. I lean forward and peck it, heat rushing to my cheeks afterward.
“What was that for?” he asks with a crooked grin. “Not that I’m complaining.”
“I love your dimple,” I confess, leaning in to kiss it again, this time lingering.
“A little to the left,” Skyler murmurs, turning his head to help guide my lips to his.
His mouth is soft and plush, kissing me tenderly yet politely while we’re in public. But what I really want is for him to show me his ravenous side. There’s something so hot and so primal about having my oxygen cut off by a thick cock shoved down my throat. I never knew this about myself until Skyler taught me.
The low grumble of my stomach reminds us that it’s time for lunch,nottime to make out. I reluctantly pull my lips away, but neither of us moves. We’re frozen, silently staring at each other. His hungry gaze devours my features, and my stomach swoops low like I just jumped off the farthest pier, landing in the ocean of Skyler’s ice-blue eyes.
“Lunch, then?” I ask, still not moving.
Skyler finally steps out of my way, swooping an arm out in front of him. “Lead the way. You know I’m always ready to eat.”
“If that isn’t an understatement,” I murmur, slipping past him.
“What was that? My tiny little ears couldn’t hear you.”
I snort, calling out over my shoulder. “You’re a garbage disposal!”
“You little—” Skyler reaches to grab me, a playful grin lighting up his beautiful features.
A carefree laugh bubbles out of me, and I dodge his grasp, taking off toward the glass bridge to the east garden. Skyler is hot on my heels, laughing just as loudly.
When we make it to the small floating island, I head for the secluded center, where I know our picnic is set up and waiting. I wind my way through the jungle botanicals, letting some of my magic seep out and boost the flowers, turning small buds into giant blossoms.
“Whoa,” I hear Skyler say in awe behind me, continuing to chase me through the gardens like two carefree children.
When we make it to the center, a vibrant green meadow dotted with small yellow and pink flowers opens up before us. Fairy ferns line the perimeter, their soft, feather-like leaves dancing in the breeze. The sound of insects buzzing around us makes me smile, knowing they’re pollinating the gardens and helping sustain the beauty here. A small water fountain creates the relaxing sounds of gently bubbling water, adding to the serene experience.
We step into the meadow, and tall palms curl around us, their leaves unfurling to provide both privacy and shade. A cream and lilac checkered blanket is set on a patch of green grass, with a large wicker basket resting on top.
“Ander, this is. . .Wow.No one’s ever done anything like this for me before. I’m in awe.”
I blush at his praise, eager to open the picnic basket and show him what’s for lunch. We take our shoes off and step onto the soft blanket, kneeling down to peer into the basket. We’re greeted with the finest selection of Fae cheeses, cured meat for Skyler, freshly cut vegetables, dips, and an assortment of crackers, bread, butter, and two small honey cakes.
“I’ve died and gone to food heaven. This looks so fucking good, Ander. Can we dig in?” Skyler peers at me with giant, pleading eyes.
“Of course.” I hand him a plate and pour us each a lavender tea, setting them in the convenient drink holder Suka packed for us.
