Page 117 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“You’re here,”

“I’m not going anywhere.” The pain in my chest lightened. “It will take a lot more than an ancient spell to take me from you,” he said into my hair.

I squeezed my arms tighter around him.“I can’t lose you.”

“I know.”

I shuffled in Luka’s arm, causing him to release his hold slightly, but he still held me in his arms.

My chest still heaved—every breath moving against his chest as our gazes locked.

Goosebumps broke out over my body, not from the cold, but from the intensity of his gaze. I shivered, letting my gaze linger on his lips.

He leaned in closer—stopping until there was only an inch between our lips.

Our breath mingled in the space between us, creating puffs of smoke in the cold air.

I wanted so badly to close the gap between us.

“Why do you stop me every time we get closer to crossing that line?” The question had been plaguing my mind since the alcove, since the party at Caspian’s manor.

“I’m giving you time? Remember?”

Time, right. He had been so careful to give me time. He pushed me—but never too far when it came to us. If we were going to go down this path it would be because I initiated it. When he knew I was ready.

I leaned forward—a slight sigh escaping my lips as I brushed them against his.

“Oh, pardon me.” A cheery voice came from the trees behind us.

I closed my eyes as Luka leaned forward, resting his forehead against mine as he let out a sigh.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered before moving to face our visitor.

“I’m so sorry,” the female said. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you two love birds.” I opened my mouth to interject but stopped as Luka’s hand on my hip flexed.

“You must be Silas’ wife.” The female’s eyebrows rose at the mention of Silas. “We were inside talking with your husband and son,” Luka continued. “We needed a moment to ourselves. I’m Luka Rossi and this is Lennox Adair.” Shock colored the woman’s face.

“Goodness me. The High Queen and the Prince in my home. Oh, I do hope my husband has welcomed you properly.” She smoothed her hands over her skirt. “Are you leaving or may I ask you to stay for dinner?”

Luka and I shared a look. “What do you think, Sweetheart? Are you hungry?”

“Starved,” I answered.

We let the Galtain family feed us until we were so full we couldn’t move anymore. We proceeded to remain in their company, moving to sit by the fire where we continued to talk and drink for what felt like hours. Silas and his wife, Malina, shared stories about their family and their ancestors—about what it was like when they first became vampires.

Luka placed a hand on my thigh. “We should get going before it gets too late.”

“You’re right.”

I stood, as did the Galtain family.

“Thank you for your hospitality, it was such a joy to meet you all.”

“And you too.” Silas pulled his wife in close to his side.

“What are you going to do about the journal?” Luka whispered into my ear.

The journal, right. I had forgotten about the journal. About the task Astria had given us.

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