Page 52 of The Incubus's Angel
“I’m not taking any credit. This is all you, Maisie girl.” The endearment doesn’t sting as it used to. “Girl” doesn’t feel like a classification anymore but rather pure affection.
Beryl was right—words have power and I can determine their influence. I’m officially claiming “girl” again for myself.
I wonder how it would feel if Ren called me his good girl while I was doing filthy things to him…
Unaware of the directions my thoughts have taken, Aunt Annamae clears her throat, looking a little uncomfortable. “I want to thank you again for all you’ve done for us. The way you just left your place in Cape Easton and moved to Starry Hill to help us. We are so grateful for you.”
I reach across the counter and squeeze her hands in mine. “There was no other option. You needed help and I was able to provide it.”
“Now that I’m healed…” Her sentence trails off as her eyes fill with tears. I know where this is going and I don’t want to make it more painful for her. My aunt and uncle love me, of that I’m sure. But their small café doesn’t need three people on staff full-time.
Swallowing hard, I muster a small smile. “It’s okay. This was always meant to be temporary. The important thing is that you’re healthy now.”
My aunt’s lip quivers and her voice breaks. “It’s not okay. I’m so sorry to do this to you, my dear Maisie girl. You helped us and now we— We love you so much.”
I try to blink away the tears pooling in my eyes, but one escapes and tracks a warm path down my cheek. “I know. And I love you too. But it’s also time for the next phase of my life.”
“Do you know what you want to do?” Aunt Annamae asks, rounding the counter and wiping the errant tear away.
My head wobbles as I think about how to phrase things. “What Iwantto do? Yes. Bake cakes. And live happily ever after on Starry Hill. But maybe that’s a dream for one day. I’m not sure what the future holds for me, and I’ve not given it a whole lot of thought while my focus has been on the party, but starting tomorrow I’ll try to figure some things out. There’s a lot to consider. A someoneto consider.”
“That does influence a lot of things, doesn’t it? If I had one piece of advice for you, it’s that true love will always find a way. Take your time figuring it out, we’ll be here if you want to talkabout anything. And you’re welcome to stay with us however long you want, but I’m guessing we shouldn’t be expecting you at home tonight, or tomorrow?”
I chuckle at that and despite my blooming cheeks, I don’t even try to deny it. “Thank you, but it’s a safe bet to say I won’t be going to your place for a bit.”
Aunt Annamae nods understandingly and pulls me into a hug. “I won’t bug you now for all the details, but I’d love to hear about it when you’re ready.”
“I’d like that,” I say, squeezing her back with all the love I have for her.
Not much later, I’m standing at The Flowering Teapot’s front door, waving goodbye to my aunt and uncle as they push the cart with their baked goods down to Kraken Cove.
Now, just to wait for Ren to make this day even better.
Chapter 21
Maisie
Leaning against The Flowering Teapot’s doorjamb, I squint toward Kraken Cove in the distance and try to make out any distinct parts of the setup action, but it’s too difficult from this far away.
I’m just about to turn back when I spot a familiar figure leaning against a tree at the bottom of the hill. My heart kicks happily at the sight of those curly maroon horns and crooked smile.
Restraining myself from running toward him and flinging myself into his arms, I white-knuckle the door and wait for him to make his way toward me. When he’s aboutfive yards away, Ren’s face breaks into a brilliant grin and he speeds up like he’s also unable to wait a moment longer. I take that as my cue and then I’m charging toward him until I’m safe in his embrace.
Ren hugs me tight and my feet lift off the ground. “Hi, my angel. I’ve missed you so much,” he whispers into my neck.
I almost cry a mix of elated and relieved tears. “I’m really glad to hear that because it almost hurts to breathe from how much I miss you.”
Leaning back to meet my eyes, Ren’s gaze is understanding. “Yeah?”
My lips press together and I nod. “Yeah.”
“Can I kiss you?”
“Please.”
Ren doesn’t hesitate for a second, his mouth comes down on mine with a voraciousness that is echoed deep in my soul. He walks me backward until my spine is flush with The Flowering Teapot’s stone wall and tilts my head exactly the way he wants before deepening the kiss.
There’s nothing tentative about it. Ren brands me with his kiss. He kisses me like he wants me to think about him all day long, like he’s staking a claim, but also like he knows I already belong to him.
