Page 98 of Lust & Lollipops

“Probably. There are so many fading fae, they don’t have time to wait. I’d imagine they’re a week in by now.”

Damn, I hadn’t thought about that.

I sat back in my chair, grimacing.

“You could bring the new girl a set of your clothes if you think it would help her.”

“That’s a good plan. I thought shifting would exhaust you, though.”

And I still didn’t want to deal with the heights thing.

“It will,” he agreed. “When we get back, I’ll need to sleep a lot for two or three days. Which will buy you more time to avoid learning how to fly.”

I perked right up at that. “I’ll pack a bag for her. Then, we’ll go.”

We finished our breakfast before heading upstairs together. I gathered a few things while Cam searched for his care package backpack. It was hard to decide what to pack, knowing how important every little thing was on the island, but I finally settled on a blanket, a pair of leggings, and a sweatshirt. I grabbed my toothbrush and hairbrush, too. Though she’d probably rather have fresh, clean ones, anything was better than nothing. I would’ve even shared a toothbrush with Kyle on the island if it meant having clean teeth.

“Are you sure the Society isn’t going to have an issue with this?” I asked, as I accepted the backpack he handed over.

“Nah. Seeing us again will probably increase the human views, which mean the show will continue happening. They need it to keep running, considering how many of us can’t handle Bachelorette. As long as we don’t say or do anything to affect the game’s outcome, it’ll be fine.”

I nodded.

We could keep things neutral and still make the next girl’s time a little easier.

I unzipped the backpack, and stared down into it when I saw the little box at the bottom.

Shit.

I’d forgotten about that.

I pulled it out slowly, lifting it up to show Cam. “What was going through your mind when you packed this?”

He gave me a soft smile. “I want to claim you in every way there is, Lollipop. Even the human way.”

My face warmed.

Though I was coming around to the idea that we were mates, accepting that we were married felt different. Probably because I hadn’t been raised knowing fae existed, but I’d always believed in marriage. Seeing how much my parents loved each other ensued that.

I tucked the backpack beneath my arm and opened the box.

Inside, I found the most beautiful ring I’d ever seen. There was a tastefully-large diamond in the center, with a unique halo around it that made me think of a picture frame.

“It’s beautiful, Cam.” I lifted my gaze to him. “Are you sure? Marriage seems like a pretty big step. I don’t think most fae wear wedding rings, and?—”

He plucked the box from my hand. “I’m sure, Lolli.” Pulling the ring from its resting place, he got down on one knee in front of me. When my eyes widened, he winked. “We’re already more connected than any pair of humans can be, but will you marry me?”

I bit my lip.

“Your grandma will want to watch you say I do,” he added.

“Alright, you win.” I held my hand out to him. “I will.”

He put the ring on my finger, then pulled me into his arms and kissed the hell out of me for a good solid minute.

I kissed him back just as passionately, until he pulled away.

“Now, I believe we were about to take a detour so you can avoid learning how to fly?”

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