Page 53 of City of Love

He turned to Matthew. “You’ll be okay?”

“I’ve got a well-stocked bar here, a shower in my office, and I just texted my woman.” Gideon noted a twinkle in Matthew’s eyes as he spoke; one that hadn’t been there for a while. “I’ll be fine for now.”

CHAPTER 23

Gideon gripped Lexi’s hand as they traveled back to his world, hurrying through the club and then crossing the street to his house. They didn’t discuss the decision to bring her back to his universe rather than send her straight home to her apartment, they simply went, as if it were a foregone conclusion. He seemed unready to let her go just then, which was just dandy, because she was unready to be released.

Though exhausted, sore, and still jittery from hours of fear and adrenaline, she was also pumped and energized by excitement. Her abilities were amazing! She had control! She’d helped save them! Equally powerful was her awareness that Gideon had come in search of her. Had rescued her. He’d crossed to her world and was the hero standing by her side after all. They’d made quite the team as it turned out, and the feeling of being part of something—something important and strong—warmed and soothed every one of her aches, pains, and doubts.

Evening was upon them now, the sky turning a dusky purple in the twilight. Even with a few celebratory rockets lighting the July Fourth skies—explosive noises her nerves could seriously do without at this point—the peace and simplicity of his universe calmed her mind and heart. Returning here had begun to feel like coming home.

She studied the façade of his house as he unlocked the door. Like its twin in her own world, the one she thought she’d seen him enter during a moment of clairvoyance, it was built of interlaced red and gray bricks in a subdued checkerboard pattern. Rows of windows on all three stories were each framed in glossy black storm shutters. Matching window boxes filled with bursts of colorful flowers sat below each one.

As they entered, Gideon quickly slipped past her into the living room, which was dark in the twilight of the day. He waved his arm and a couple dozen candles and oil lamps instantly lit up, bathing the entire first floor in a golden glow. Then crouching before the fireplace, he made a pushing motion with the palms of his hands and the logs burst into orange flame.

She gasped. “Beautiful.”

He rose and turned to face her from across the room, holding her gaze with a needful intensity she felt from her head to her toes. “Indeed.”

Her cheeks warmed and she knew they’d turned a nice shade of pink.

His gaze softened and he smiled as he crossed the room and drew her into his arms. “Make yourself at home. I’ll go upstairs and draw us a bath.”

Her cheek pressed to his chest, she smiled, reluctant to let him go, though the idea of soaking in clean hot water was a pretty good inducement. “That sounds fantastic.”

He left her to bound up the stairway while she explored the downstairs rooms. She’d been inside his home only briefly before, and this chance to explore his private world was an exciting window into the man himself.

The furniture and decor spanned several eras—colonial, Victorian, even Baroque—and were clearly from various parts of the world, each piece more magnificent than the next. Musical instruments from sitars to mandolins, strings and percussion pieces from across the globe, filled each corner. She giggled as she admired some of the antique furnishings, knowing they may have actually been brand new when he or his parents acquired them.

She finally stopped her exploration to gaze up at a large painting above the hearth. A portrait of a beautiful couple in formal attire. Unaware that Gideon had come back downstairs, she gave a start as he came up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist. Settling into them, she leaned her head back against his chest, still observing the painting.

“My parents,” he said.

“They’re a beautiful couple.” She paused. “They look young here. Are they…?”

“They died when I was but a teen. Both fell in battle during the last rebellion.”

She turned to face him, taking his hands. “I’m so sorry.”

“Their deaths are long past. But I miss them still.”

“Do you have brothers or sisters?”

“No, it’s only me.” Something shifted in his eyes. “I’m the last of the Ashe family line. The last of our name.”

His grief flashed through her mind and across his face. She squeezed his hand, and he quickly recovered, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “Come upstairs with me now.”

Holding his hand, she followed him up the stairs, butterflies of excitement and need tickling her insides. The second floor was divided into two large rooms. To her left, a quick peek showed her the main bedroom, where light from dozens of candles and oil lamps flickered on the walls or were reflected in the numerous mirrors that helped to throw the warm glow around the room. An enormous four-poster bed occupied a prime spot, its beautiful canopy a luscious burgundy color, bringing out the dark reds that were also in the rich carpets and window tapestries. The thought of sliding into those darkly dyed sheets and blankets with him quickened her heart rate.

A tug on her hand pulled her in the other direction first, however, as he led her to the bath, where her mouth fell open as she took it in.

“Oh, Gideon.” The polished wood floors and paneled walls reflected the customary candlelight of this world, but it was the side-by-side identical copper soaking tubs in the middle of the room that were the centerpiece of the space. Vases of colorful flowers accented shelves, alongside dainty colored glass bottles containing, she assumed, various toiletries. Soft cotton robes hung on wall hooks.

Moving to the tubs, she ran her fingers through the warm water. The scents of fresh sage and lavender floated through the air as her hand disturbed the sprigs of herbs floating on the surface. She filled her lungs with the calming fragrances, feeling her body relax.

Gideon handed her a glass of what he said was honeyed mead, to which he’d added some medicinal tonics. It tasted of a sweet thick alcohol, and as she sipped it, the throbbing in her head eased almost instantly.

“If you’re hungry, I’ve set out some food.” He gestured to a tabletop with plates of fruit and nuts.

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