Page 80 of Entangled (Haven Realm Chronicles 5)

“For someone with only three legs, you sure run around a lot.” She snuggled him and there was no protest. I eyed him while he was busy getting hugged. But I knew the truth… He was pissed because I’d taken his long hair.

“I have a favor to ask. Could you look after Ginger for a week, maybe two while I finish a few errands? I’ll definitely be back for him, as I love him too much and we’ve been through so much together.”

He strolled across the table to me. Oh, had he finally forgiven me? I embraced him and kissed the top of his head.

“Oh course, dear.” Her voice softened, and her eyes glistened. “In honor of your dad, I’d do anything. Helps that I love cats.” She smiled, leaving me feeling clam and at home.

“Did you hear that?” Warmth soaked right into my bones knowing Gingernuts would be cared for. I ruffled his cheeks, fluffing them. “You’ll stay here for a short while, and I’ll be back. Be good, and bring no lizards into the house, okay?” He headbutted me in the arm.

“Thanks for your time.” Gage was already on his feet and collecting our cups and saucers before taking them to the kitchen.

I followed suit and already I missed Gingernuts. We hadn’t been apart since I first lured him into the tower. We slept every day in my bed, snuggled up. We shared meals and played games. My chest constricted. “Take care of him, he means everything to me. But I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Remy nodded, and I hugged her, her small frame fragile but comforting. “Thank you so much.” When I broke away, she’d already hobbled into the kitchen and pulled out a bag of cat treats, shaking he contents. Gingernuts was there in a flash.

Gage took my elbow and lead me outside as I caught one last glimpse of my cat gorging on food. “He’ll be fine,” he said.

“I know. I’ll just miss him.” In no time, we left behind the residential part of town, making our way to the tavern, hoping Reed and Kahlo had returned.

People filled the streets in the shopping district with storefronts packed with merchandise, such as dried meats, ducks, and an array of miniature cakes. That one had me gawking. I reached out for Gage, but I found only empty air. He’d strolled into a store with herbs and crystals. I trailed after him.

Incense filled the store, and the array of skull-shaped goblets caught my attention. Why would anyone want to drink out of a skull? Maybe it was a joke gift for someone who had everything. Across the store, Gage chatted with the sales clerk. So I took my time and looked around the store, investigating the crystals, the bath salts, and array of other goodies. Eventually, Gage nudged me and nodded for us to leave.

Once we left the spiritual store behind, he smirked. “I got you a gift.”

“Oh, really? What is it?”

He offered me the parcel, and I didn’t waste time ripping it open to reveal a glass container the size of my palm filled with a pink liquid. I swished it around in the jar and it bubbled. “What is it?”

“Shampoo.”

I cut him a glare. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

He laughed, and he tossed an arm around me, drawing me closer. With a kiss on my nose, he said, “Maybe you should ask me what sort of shampoo it is.”

“Okay, spill.”

His eyes squinted. “The woman at the store does spells, and I asked her if she had something to help weaken hair so we can cut it. I told her there was a spell on your hair, and she made a quick concoction and gave me this.”

I stared at Gage, giving him my best are you-fucking-insane look. “You realize my hair is a curse, and this perfumed-infused liquid soap won’t undo that. But at the same, I love the thought.” Up on my tiptoes, I kissed his sweet lips.

“Let’s go to the tavern and wash your hair. What have you got to lose?”

People waded past us, and yet as if I missed something. He’d never asked to wash my hair before. “Are you trying to get me wet and naked?”

He winked my way and snaked an arm around my waist. “Let’s get to our room quick. I swear my balls are already blue.” He stepped close behind me, my ass against his hardness, and I smirked.

“You’ve got a dilemma.”

His mouth was on my ear. “Wrong. You do if we don’t return soon. I’ll be dragging you into a side lane and eating your pussy no matter who sees us.”

My libido awakened with a start at his sexy promise. We both rushed through the crowds and to our tavern.

You didn’t get enough, hey?

“Keep quiet. You’re just jealous,” I mumbled under my breath as Gage opened the door to the second bedroom, which he’d spend the night in. This one was a similar size and layout to mine, except in here the windows overlooked the ocean of residential homes instead of the storefronts.

“You know there’s hot running water?” He peeled off his shirt, revealing a muscular chest and abs my palms tingled to touch.

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