Page 79 of Enchanted Kisses
I didn’t resist. I couldn’t.
His lips, as light as his touch, brushed over mine then moved away.
I followed them, like the lovesick girl I was, going up on my toes and reaching behind his neck. I pulled his head down, ready to devour him.
The door swung open with a bang.
Startled, I snapped from my haze and slid out from between the wall and Caiden.
“Ah, ah, ah.” Raysa pointed at us like a teacher. “I specifically asked you to stay away from her so I could surprise you.” She grabbed Caiden by the arm and tugged him out of the room.
He went willingly. Before exiting, he stopped and stared with an intensity so strong, it felt like a tractor beam pulling me in. “This isn’t over.”
I forced myself to stay put, hating that I wanted to run after him. More than anything,Iwanted to throw him down and relive the other night. I really needed to get rid of this spell.
Raysa came back alone and closed the door.
I opened my mouth to defend my actions, even though I had no idea what to say. I couldn’t blame Caiden. It would be a lie.
She crossed her arms and spoke to the door. “Don’t make me come out there and drag you downstairs. You know I can, and you know I will.”
She stood silent for a moment—listening—then lifted her brows to me. “How was that avoiding him?”
“I’m sorry. When he knocked, I thought it was you. Something’s wrong with him. Did you see the way he looked? He’s—”
“Struggling,” she interjected. “This is what I was talking about. Perhaps the talisman isn’t working. Or perhaps Bianca’s presence is getting to him. After tonight, she’ll be gone. I’ll make sure of it. For now, let’s continue with our plan. Get dressed for the celebration and try to have a little fun.” She sighed, looking stressed. “We could use some fun.”
“I don’t see how we can,” I said. “Look at you. You’re stressed worse than I’ve ever seen, and Caiden’s ready to snap.” I turned on the faucet and washed the lotion from my arms. “I’ve made a big mess of things.”
“Believe it or not, I’ve lived through worse. And we will have fun. You’ve never celebrated with sentries before. We have ways of guaranteeing a good time.” She stepped to my side. “What are you doing?”
“Washing off my coconut lotion. Caiden can smell me.”
Raysa turned off the faucet and handed me a towel. “That won’t help. He can smell you because he’s bound himself to you.” She paused to think. “Did the poem say that Caiden would love you?”
“No. Only that I would love him until I could heal him so he could take my blood.”
“Hmm…”
Something was going on in that pretty head of hers. Before I could ask what she was thinking, she said, “We need to get ready.”
An hour later, I twisted from side to side in front of a long mirror. Like the sparkling fabric in the room, my gown carried an iridescent sheen. Light blush on the strapless bodice gave way to a darker shade at the waist, which spilled to an even darker shade at the bottom. Ruching twisted into large flowers covering the full skirt. I fluffed the crinoline and watched the dress puff.
Stunning.
Raysa had styled my hair away from my face, leaving only a few loose tendrils. She’d curled the back into long ringlets and tucked tiny flowers throughout.
“Hey, gorgeous.” She entered the room wearing a gold, regal-looking gown.
I bowed. “Your Majesty.”
She tapped my shoulder. “Not yet.”
“Because you’re waiting on Caiden? Can’t you just claim the thrown? I mean, do you really think he’s fit to rule anything?”
“I’m trying not to pass judgment yet. Transitioning between realms can make a person do—”
“Hurtful things,” I murmured without thought.
