Page 55 of Honeythorn
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Milan looked at himself in the mirror, Melissa behind him with her hands together as if she were holding herself back from clapping.
“You will be turning everyone’s head at the ball,” she gushed. Milan laughed.
“You make it sound like I’m looking for a prince.”
“You already have the prince. It’s even better!”
Milan snorted, meeting her eyes in the mirror. She was so much more open than in the beginning. After Milan’s heat, she’d taken to hovering over him as if he were just about to collapse, even with Raphael there. More than anything, however, she seemed ecstatic that Raphael and he were getting along.
“You should thank Katerina, she’s the one that insisted I use this fabric.”
“Oh, I’ve heard she wears the most lavish suits,” Melissa sighed.
“Have a bit of a crush there?” Milan teased. Melissa immediately straightened, blushing brightly.
“Of course not!”
“I was jesting, Melissa.” Milan laughed.
“Well—go on then. Or you’ll be late.”
“All right, all right. When did you become so bossy, anyway? I thought you were shy.”
“It’s impossible to be shy around you, Lord Ledford.”
“Oh, don’t call me that,” Milan admonished, even though he knew she was teasing. Melissa smiled.
Milan looked at himself one last time in the mirror. He had to admit—hedidlook good. His suit was made of a thick, textured silver material, large, dark blue flowers printed over it. It was striking, especially with his complexion. The light-blue, silk shirt underneath completed the look.
“I’m glad I still have some of my own money. I don’t know what Raphael would have thought of the expense,” Milan said as he turned towards the door.
“Wait until he sees you in it.”
Milan hummed neutrally before thanking Melissa and heading downstairs, where Raphael was already waiting for him.
Heat rose to Milan’s face as Raphael looked at Milan descend the stairs with a stunned expression.
“Husband,” Milan greeted as he stepped in front of him. Two high, bright points of red flushed over Raphael’s cheeks.
“Hello,” Raphael said, voice rasping out. Milan suppressed a smile.
Maybe Melissa had not been so far off the mark. A shiver of heat went through him.
“Are you ready to go?” Milan asked, taking pity and not teasing Raphael for his distraction.
“Ah—yes. Yes, let’s, um. Our coats.”
Milan pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh. He had never heard Raphael stumble over his words like that before.
They donned their coats, Milan feeling giddy and bright until suddenly—a creak.
Milan knew that sound.
Leather stretching over knuckles, pulling tight. Milan shuddered, heart pounding. He froze, only able to stand there and look at Raphael as he put on his gloves.
Raphael turned to him, smiling. “Shall we…Milan? Are you all right?” He stepped closer and Milan instinctively flinched back. Raphael’s expression crumpled with hurt and confusion, but Milan was speechless. He just—he couldn’t seem to make his mind move.
