Page 14 of Morning's Light

“I’m about to leave in two-point-seven seconds. I pushed some morning appointments forward so I could drive you back. You see? I’m nice. I think about these things.”

Aisanna blushed. “You didn’t have to wait around for me. Unless you’re trying to make me feel guilty. In which case I will tell you, it’s definitely working.”

Leo moved into his winter coat before donning his signature red scarf, which accented his long, gilded hair to perfection. “There’s no need for guilt. Call it family responsibility instead. Besides, your shop is only six blocks over from my office. It’s not far enough out of my way that I’ll ask for gas money.”

At first it had bothered Aisanna, renting a building so close to the Claddium headquarters. The three-story brownstone housed the meeting hall for the four elected officials representing the elemental magic holders of the Great Lakes region. Leo’s father headed the Earth Elemental Division and held quite a bit of power in his polished fist.

She’d had time to adapt to not only the proximity but also the idea of her sister bedding down with one of the Claddium’s own golden boys. Leo wasn’t like the rest of those militant lemmings.

“I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” Aisanna gratefully took the coat Astix handed her and slipped it over her shoulders, buttoning the front and grabbing a final piece of toast off of one of their plates. “Also, do you think I can bother you for a pair of shoes?”

“Jeez. You’re needy.” Astix moved down the hall to search her closet and came back with an old pair of black biker boots. “Here, these should fit. Your feet are smaller than mine. Stuff some socks into the toes and it will be okay.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

Aisanna bent to lace the boots as Leo and his woman stared at each other. “Off to the races?” Astix asked.

“You bet.” He crossed the space in two great strides and took Astix in his arms.

To see them together now, no one would suspect the solitude Astix had endured, the years of separation from her family. It had taken time for Leo to build her trust, but once given, it was forever. Now, she stared up at her beau with love evident in every line of her face. And only the smallest hint of embarrassment at their audience.

“I adore you.” Leo bent to kiss her.

“I adore you too.”

“Ugh, you guys make me sick to my stomach,” Aisanna said.

Astix broke the contact and glared across the room. “Not going to apologize for the benefits I’ve reaped.” The wink was for Leo. Apparently, she was a woman who winked now.

“Yeah, okay. Maybe I can look forward to a little red-hot romance in my life soon.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Sure. Haven’t you heard? I think it’s my turn to be cursed. Nothing like being courted by the spectral embodiment of evil.” Aisanna spoke through the last bite of toast and followed Leo out the door. “Let’s go.”

“Are you ever going to tell me what really happened?” Astix called after them.

“No!”

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