Page 124 of The Executioners Three
And in turn, heard what he really wanted to hear.
“I hope you don’t actually have that effect on everyone,” he told her, half in jest. Half serious. “Because…” He swallowed. “I’d prefer it if you only had that effect on me.”
Freddie sniffed primly. “In that case, I regret to inform you that it isn’t something I can turn off and on again. It’s a constant state of being.”
“I believe it, Gellar. But… Well, do you think you could grant me exclusive rights?”
“You want exclusive rights to my charm and cleverness?”
“Yes. And to, ah, your distraction techniques.” Theo’s gaze raked over her face, then her neck. “Assuming those rights are still available.”
She smiled now. That bright, delighted smile that she was never too shy to share with the world. “I might consider such exclusivity, Mr. Porter, depending on what you offer in return.”
“How about instead of considering what you’d get from me, you instead consider what youwouldn’tget. Because you see, you are my fire.”
She gasped, recoiling far enough that she hit the water mill. “You wouldn’t dare.”
Theo grinned. “The one desire.”
“No, no, no. If you continue to quote the Backstreet Boys at me, then I cannot be held accountable for my actions.”
“But Gellar, you have to believe me when I say, I want it—”
Freddie kissed him. A hard, hungry kiss on the lips that made Theo move just as hard and hungrily against her. Perhaps too hard and hungrily, given his stitches… But it was so easy, so natural.
When at last they pulled apart, both fully breathless, Theo murmured:“You really are dangerous, Freddie Gellar. But I guess…” He smiled. “I want it that way.”
“How dare you!” Freddie smacked him lightly on the arm… and then kissed him on the lips all over again.
And together, Theo and Freddie practiced their very best distraction techniques while the autumn wind whispered, a cold stream trilled, and a positively effervescent Fête du Bûcheron rallied late into the night.
