Page 106 of Sequel to the Easter Bunny

It makes me wonder….

“Does this mean you’ll be taking over rule of the Valley?”

He turns back to me, head tipped to the side in confusion. “What would I know about ruling this world?”

With space between us, he looks smaller than he did in the old god’s realm. But I imagine that’s because his ears are swept back, like too-long hair.

Even in this realm, the mask barely makes him passable as human. Not passable enough, I think, that anyone outside this tower would believe he was simply a man.

I prefer him as the god.

But if it means that I can have him day and night, I will gladly take him like this as well.

“We’re going to have to get you some clothes if you ever plan to leave the tower.”

He snaps his fingers and once again, his powers prove more creative than mine.

“Will this do?”

It’s a suit, very like the ones Jamus used to wear. It fits Jack better, both the suit, and sophistication Jamus craved.

“We’ll have to figure out something a little more casual for the day to day, but that will do.”

His chuckle warms me as he comes back to stand before me. “And what of you, wife? Are you ready to show me what you look like under that mask my mother forced you to wear to keep you safe?”

“If you’re ready to see me, I’m ready to show myself to you.”

He gently frees the bow at the back and lifts the mask from me by its ears. The loss of that pressure makes me scrub at my face and I know it’s mussed my hair, I try to smooth it back as much as I can.

But his soft finger presses against the bottom of my chin and he tips my face up to him.

His dark eyes trace my features, but he says nothing.

“Are you disappointed?”

“You are the most beautiful person I’ve ever known, Lily.” He brushes his thumbs over my cheekbones and presses a kiss to my forehead, “You could never disappoint me.”

He kisses my nose, each cheek, my chin…

Drawing me against him, his lips find mine and any worries I had over the differences in his world and mine evaporate.

“Oh!”

I turn to look at the startled woman who’s just stepped out of the lift.

“You’re not where you’re supposed to be.” Ari gives a little wave. “Hello Jack, nice to see you again.”

“Likewise, Ariadne.”

I blink at her full name, but she doesn’t seem affected by it in the least.

“This is unexpected… but a nice surprise.” She looks at me. “I assume this means your trials are over?”

“Gods, I hope so.”

Jack doesn’t let go of me, and I don’t try to get away, despite our audience.

She does remind me, though, “Your son is an asshole.”

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