Page 23 of Night Wedding
“That’s not love, Diana. I know you. You want me just to get me. And like many of your possessions, you’ll forget about it as soon as it’s yours. Then you’ll look for some other diversion.”
Her mouth opened partway in mock surprise. “Don’t say such horrible things about me. You make me sound so fickle.”
I grunted. That was the exact word I’d use to describe her.
“Forget the witch. Mortals live such short lives.” She reached out brushed my forearm. “Be with me.”
I stepped out of reach. “No. We’re done for good. I’d choose ten seconds with Nova over immortality with you.”
Her expression twisted to one that was hard as diamonds, disrupting her neutral mask. “You’re making a mistake,” she warned, her tone as cold as blue ice. “You’ll regret choosing her, Diego.” She strode away. Her threat echoed as loud as her heels on the brick pavement. “You’ll regret it.”
Chapter 6
Nova
Some people might think Saturday night in a bookstore would be the most boring date, but to me, it was bliss. Diego went to the café to pick up tea for me while I wandered. Perusing endless rows of bookshelves with all their possibilities and worlds to be explored was the ultimate in excitement. It always smelled so good in here with the combined aromas of books, teas, and baked goods. I amassed books the way Lucas collected record albums.
As I meandered away from the fiction stacks, I peered at the other sections. Did they stock theKama Sutraor theJoy of Sexor similar books? That would have been a better way for me to go about my sexual experimentation. Picturing my attempt with the beginner bondage kit, I shook my head at myself. It could have been worse, I supposed. I sighed. No, I was good for a while and not about to try anything new just yet.
After I’d gathered a handful of paperbacks to consider, I brought them to a table at the small café where Diego sat waiting for me. He’d placed the saucer over my tea cup, keeping it hot. His leg twitched.
“Did I take too long?” I asked.
“No, no, you’re good,” he replied quickly.
“You’re not getting anything today?” He usually picked out a book or two when we came here.
I sat across from him and sipped my Earl Grey tea. It was still hot. Perfect. The hint of honey lingered with a sweetness on my tongue. “Thanks for the tea.”
“Of course.”
As I perused the back cover of a cozy mystery, I sensed his stare. When I glanced up and caught his gaze, I asked, “Why are you watching me?”
“Sorry.” He adjusted in his chair, turning a few inches away, and glanced around.
It was owned by a middle-aged woman and former librarian named Susan. She loved mysteries, which comprised one of the biggest sections of the modest bookstore. I’d introduced myself when I moved here last fall, and we’d grown friendly since. The love of books was an excellent start to a long-lasting friendship.
Diego drummed the table. I attempted to ignore the distraction. A few seconds later, he stood and paced.
“Diego, you’re doing it again.”
He stopped pacing and glanced at me. “Doing what?”
“Fidgeting. This isn’t like you. You seem anxious, and it’s rubbing off on me.”
He rubbed his temple. “Ah, sorry. I’m nervous.”
“About?” I prodded with an open hand.
He glanced beyond me. “About things not going as planned.”
I blinked at him. “And I’m guessing you still can’t tell me yet.”
He sat and took my hand from across the table. “Soon, Nova. Just a little longer.”
It was my turn to fidget. I crossed my legs and then uncrossed them. Although I no longer feared he’d break up with me, a whole realm of other scenarios played in my mind. I twisted my hair and wrapped it around my fingers. Since he was immortal, he shouldn’t be revealing he was dying of an illness. What was it? Curiosity drove me near crazy.
His gaze darted around the bookstore, and I turned to track what was going on. Nothing stood out other than typical traffic of people browsing, and an attendant helping someone.
