Page 87 of Haunted Hearts

But Willow? This will be her first time without rules holding her back. What damage can she do in the Realm of the Living now?

The thought of Willow free to do whatever, leans the scale in favor of Willow being the more intimidating person in the room.

Watch out people of Everlast, Willow Harvest is coming for you.

Chapter28

WILLOW

I’m not a morning person.

Everyone knows that about me by now. So, when Theo finds me sitting at the table in the middle of our apartment after his morning shower, his eyes widen in surprise. His hair is loose from its braids, wet and slicked back. His cheeks are pink from the hot water and drops of water slide down the planes of his chest.

Stunning. Theodon of Windom is absolutely stunning. And he’s mine. Heat gathers both in my cheeks and between my legs as I watch him move. The towel wrapped around his waist hangs dangerously low. I quietly pray it falls off as he walks across the apartment towards me. It doesn’t, but Theo’s kiss, that he plants on my forehead, makes up for that.

“What are you doing up so early?” he asks, pulling his face away from mine. His hand comes up and cups my cheek as he stares down at me. “And dressed like you’re going to workout?”

I search his face. At first glance, he looks fine. His expression is nearly serene, and his shoulders are relaxed. But Theo has always been able to cover up his true feelings. Only those closest to him seem to be able to pick up the subtle details that give him away. For instance, there is a tightness around his eyes. and deep within those fuchsia irises, is the distress that I knew would be there.

“I’m up because my king needs me.”

The heat that flares up in his eyes as he smiles sets butterflies free in my stomach. Drawing in a steady breath, I focus on my primary goal this morning.Thatcan come later.

“Sit with me for a moment?” I turn and pull the chair beside me closer.

Theo moves and sits down without any hesitation. How different he would have responded over a month ago. I probably would have been met with a hard look, maybe a sniff of disdain, or ignored completely. Then, I would have made some sort of retort about his lack of manners.

“What are you chuckling about?” he asks, pulling his chair, and himself, under the table.

I turn my seat towards him. “Just thinking about how much we’ve changed since we first met.”

Theo snorts. It’s very un-prince-like of him.

“I was a fool,” he sighs, a frown destroying the smile I put there a moment ago. “In so many different ways.”

I place my hand on his shoulder. “Thank goodness we’ve gotten past our differences.”

Our eyes meet before he nods. “You’re right, we have.” He pauses, his pupils narrowing. “Thoughtfulandawake before the sun has risen? What are you up to, Willow?”

Ignoring his question, I ask one of my own, “May I do your braids this morning?”

Theo blinks in surprise. He opens his mouth then shuts it before his brows furrow. Ican’t suppress my giggle at the look of bewilderment on his face.

“You can say no, Theo.”

“It’s not that I don’t want you to,” he says quickly in his confusion. “I just havealwaysbraided my hair. It’s part of my routine when starting my day.”

“Well, I wouldn’t want to interrupt your routine.”

Theo smirks before shuffling the chair closer to me. “Do it, Willow. Maybe while you braid, you’ll tell me what you want to talk about since I know something is on your mind.”

“That was my plan.”

I reach forward and begin parting the hair on the side of his head. It’s been a while since I’ve braided anyone’s hair, but the motion comes back just like riding a bike.

“Actually,” I start as I work on the first braid. “I wantyouto talk to me.”

“About what?”

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