Page 45 of Fated to the Gargoyle
AnyaandIwandered through the rooms more slowly this time, admiring the plush furniture, various paintings and sculptures, and a kitchen with herbs and oils that appeared to have been used more for spells rather than for preparing food.Theirscents continued throughout the house, especially lavender and sage.Thehouse had been well-tended since our grandmother’s death.Alist of the professionals she used was included in a massive binder with more information about her estate.Wheneverwe passed a stuffed bookshelf,Anyaoohed and cocked her head as she scanned the titles.
“Ihave a feeling there are plenty more secrets hidden in this house,”Isaid.
“We’resure to find some new discoveries both here and at the library.”
Aswe headed upstairs,Isaid, “Shallwe pick a bedroom?”
“Sure,” she agreed. “ButIdon’t know how much timeI’llbe spending here.Istill have the lease on my apartment, but usually spend most nights atHugo’s.”
“It’sprobably easier for me,”Inoted with a chuckle. “Oneof the good things about being on the move is thatIdon’t have any long-term leases or real ties anywhere.”
“Untilnow,”Anyasaid with a familiar smile, and her dimple appeared.
“Right.Dumontinvited me to move into theVault, but with everything happening so quickly, it’s probably good that we have a little space.”
Anyalaughed. “That’swhatIsaid toHugo, but my apartment is pretty much just storage at this point.”
Itipped my head. “Well,Ihope you spend some time here.Wenever had a chance to live together growing up.Maybewe can have a second chance now?”
Anya’seyes shone bright with tears, and her mouth spread into a smile. “Youcan count on it.”
“Whatdo you think?”IaskedDumontafterIshowed him around. “Niceplace, right?”
Hescanned the living room. “Magnificent.”
“Youcould stay with me sometimes,”Isuggested. “Thatis, if you’re comfortable being away from your team.”
Heturned and fixed a steady gaze on me. “I’mmost comfortable being around you, my mate.”
Ismiled at him. “Ilove hearing you say that.”Forsomeone who grew up without family or ties or a sense of belonging anywhere,Ifinally felt likeIhad it all.
Henodded. “Good, becauseIlove everything about you.”Hestepped closer and tipped my chin up.
Aftera quick peek around us,Isaid, “Ithink we’re alone, butAnyaandHugocould be here, playing house.”
Dumontchuckled. “Playinghouse?”Hearched a brow. “Whatexactly does your interpretation ofplayingmean?”
Catchingon to the flirtatious vibe,Istroked his cheek and then trailed my fingertips down his chest.
“Well,Ienjoy all the exploring.Andthere’s this fancy thing that you do with your tail…”
Histail rolled out from being retracted, and he curled it around my lower body, drawing me closer to him.
“Thislittle thing?”
Ilaughed. “There’snothing little about any part of you.”Ashis tail snaked out, entwining us,Istroked the rougher skin near the tip.
Hemoaned. “Thatfeels good.Ilove it when you touch me.”
Itipped my head back and gazed up at him. “ThenIwon’t stop.”Reachingaround with my other hand,Iran it over his shoulder blades and down his back.Hiswings were retracted as he often had them inside, and it still mesmerized me how he was able to shift into different forms and manipulate body parts at will.
Dumontunwrapped his tail and then scooped me into his arms.Igasped but then giggled and slung my arms around his neck. “Takingme somewhere?”
Alow growl rumbled from his chest. “Yes.”
“Kitchen?”Iteased.
“Nope.”
