Page 73 of King of Tides

“You’re not the only one who wants to stake out Candido. By the time he returns, we’ll have the answers we want.”

I can’t help laughing. “I’ll be more likely to be reprimanded for it too. He’s only going to come back irritable.”

“Not as irritable as his bowels.” He shrugs.

“Oh to be a fly on the wall when that situation hits.”

“He’ll make it home if he doesn’t make any stops before hisshituationsets in. Now, it’s time to forget about him. Get in. I’m driving,” he says as he opens the passenger side door.

“This is new.”

“I want you to sit back and relax. I can change the car for one of mine if that makes you more comfortable.”

“How would you do that? Someone would see.”

Before I finish my words, my city-issued sedan turns into a candy-blue Mercedes truck. Ardan stands laughing at me as my mouth sits open. I look around quickly to see if anyone is paying attention.

“Get in the vehicle, Billy. I know how to cloak my magic. No one saw anything. Not even a super would have seen my actions.”

“Well excuse me,” I tease and hop into the passenger seat.

He closes the door and moves to get in behind the wheel. I don’t know why I’m so excited. Probably because Ardan doesn’t miss when it comes to his surprises.

I’ve felt so pampered in the last month. I may not know what sex with other guys is like, but I’ve dated enough to know Ardan is the exception when it comes to taking care of his woman. With each day, I know I’m getting closer to saying those words.

I don’t think it’s the bond forcing these feelings. It’s Ardan’s actions. He has made it safe for me to open up to him.

Because of him, I’ve gotten used to forgetting about work once I’m off the clock. I’ve come to appreciate the concept. With a smile on my lips, I sit back and close my eyes.

***

“Come on,baby girl. We’re here,” Ardan rumbles in my ear.

I open my eyes to find his bright-blue eyes staring into mine. He’s standing outside the car as he ducks inside to wake me, brushing a lock of hair out of my face. As I remember he has a surprise for me, I smile and come awake.

He backs out of the vehicle and holds his hand out for me to take. I take his hand and rush out of the car excitedly. Ardan gives me a bright smile and squeezes my hand.

“What are we doing here?” I ask as I look around.

I’m not really sure where we are, but excitement still fills me. It’s around two in the morning, so I’m not really sure where we’re going or what could be open at this time of night.

“You said you’ve only ever been to one concert in your life. I’ve been to thousands.” He shrugs. “I figured after the day you had, dinner and a private concert would be the perfect wind down.”

“You’re kidding, right? At this time of night, you’re taking me to a private concert?”

“We can do something else if you don’t want this,” he says and looks down at me to search my face.

“No, please. I’m excited.”

He gives a little chuckle and a wide smile. My heart swells when he wraps his arm around me and tugs me into his side. I allow my guard to fall a little more.

Ardan leads me into what looks like a garden. In the center is what looks like a stage in the middle of a fountain. I gasp when I read the name of the band on the drums.

“Are you freaking kidding me? Freezes Tides? How did you get them here this time of night?” I squeal.

“You do understand there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. It doesn’t hurt that they are supernaturals. Water and sea fairies,” he replies.

I was listening to this band this morning while reading. I think they’re awesome and they put me in such a vibe for the book I was reading. Ardan came into the library and found me with a smile on my lips.

---