Page 9 of Seal My Fate

I stare at him, and realize, he’s right. I do have something to celebrate: Wren isalive.

I’ve been so caught up in all the panic and fear surrounding her return, I haven’t taken a moment to simply absorb that incredible fact. My sister is alive. The one thing I hoped and prayed for and would have given anything to see… It happened. It’s real.

All the rest of it—the threats, and mystery, and uncertain future—it all seems to pale in comparison to that one miraculous truth.

Wren is alive, and whatever else happens, nothing can take away from that unexpected gift. We’ll figure the rest of it out, in time. But right now?

I have my sister back.

I break into a wide smile and throw my arms around Saint’s neck. I launch myself at him, kissing him hot and hard, needing to celebrate this incredible twist of fate. He stumbles back, laughing, before gripping me more securely.

“What’s that for?” he asks, smiling.

“I’m just happy,” I beam. “About… the office. Thank you.”

“Wow, well just wait until I’ve finished assembling these built-in bookshelves,” Saint gives me a smoldering grin. “Then you’ll really want to thank me, all night long.”

I laugh. “We should celebrate,” I say, my heart pounding. “Like you said, life is short. I want to treasure every win.”

And getting my sister back from the dead is about as big a win as I can dream of.

“Alright then,” Saint’s expression turns playful. “A special occasion, hmmm…”

I feel a shiver of anticipation. Saint’s special occasions always involve some new, thrilling adventure, and I can tell from the gleam in his eye, today will be no different.

“I know just the thing,” he says. “Go dress for dinner, while I make a couple of calls. And Tessa?” he adds, as I head for the door.

“Yes?”

“Wear a dress this evening,” he says, the gleam turning wolfish. “Loose skirt. Shoulder straps.”

My pulse kicks. “Are you going to tell me why?”

“Now, where would the fun be in that?” he smirks. “You’ll find out soon enough. If you’re a good girl, that is.”

I bound downstairs to dress, full of excitement. Somehow being good with Saint really means being very, very bad…

And I can’t wait.

Chapter4

Tessa

After getting dressed up—and following Saint’s instructions to the letter—we jump in a cab across town, to a charmingly romantic jazz club that’s hidden down a flight of stairs, just off the lights and buzz of the theaters on Shaftsbury Avenue.

“I love this place,” I smile, looking around the basement. It’s dim and discreet, with faded leather booths and little tables set out around the stage, where a jazz trio is playing a sultry tune. “Like something out of a movie.”

“They make the best martinis in town,” Saint says, pulling out a chair for me and beckoning the waiter over. “Olive and a twist?”

I nod, happily taking my seat as he orders our drinks, and some French fries for the table. AKA, me. “You’re a fast learner,” I laugh, when he asks for the snacks. “You know I can’t drink on an empty stomach.”

“Well, I have big plans for us this evening,” he says with a wink, and my smile grows. “Can’t have you getting grumpy before the night has even begun.”

“Am I going to need my stamina?” I ask, flirty.

He smirks. “Perhaps. And a head for heights.”

Interesting… They quickly bring our drinks, and I settle back, letting the sound of the music wash over me. Everything with Wren seems far away, and it’s a relief to set my questions and fears aside for the evening, and privately celebrate her return.

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