Page 96 of A Thieving Curse

“Do you like him, Rae?” The agony in his voice threatened to destroy what was left of her resolve.

“It doesn’t matter.”

Alex’s neck corded as he looked away. “I don’t know if I want you to like him or not. I don’t know which would make knowing you’re his wife easier. If you like him… It will hurt. But if you don’t…” He lowered his head. “I want you to be happy. Even if it’s not with me.”

She chewed on her cheek. Truthfully, shedidn’treally like Tristan. But that was mostly because he wanted to kill the man she loved. The man she loved because he said things like,I want you to be happy even if it’s not with me.The man who still cared so deeply and so openly, even after suffering so much.

Alex met her eyes. “Would you come with me, if you could?”

Of course I would.Maybe it would be easier on both of them if she lied. Maybe it would hurt less. Or maybe she would regret it for the rest of her life.

Anguish filled his eyes as she delayed her answer. Certainty grew in her mind.I can’t say goodbye and leave things like this.She couldn’t spend the rest of her days wishing she had been honest, even though it would hurt. Even if it opened a tear in her heart that would never close.

Raelyn freed her fingers from his and grabbed the back of his hand. His eyes widened as she guided his palm to the side of her neck. She wanted him to know she wasn’t lying to make him feel better. “Alexander Tallon, if I could, I would choose you.” Her voice cracked. “I love you.”

His other hand pressed against her back and his lips were on hers before she could blink. She felt his desperation in the press of his mouth, in the way his hand gripped her neck, and it sparked a similar need in her. She closed her eyes and kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her elbow bumped his wing, but neither of them paused. A thrill ran from her skull to her feet as she leaned against him. His dragon warmth enveloped her.

Slowly, Alex pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. She took several deep breaths, feeling at once blissfully at peace and as exhilarated as she did while flying.

“What was that?” Raelyn asked, her mouth close to his.

Alexander chuckled. “A kiss.”

“Mm.” She opened her eyes and leaned back. His wings were still folded against his back, and horns still spiraled out of his head. His eyelids fluttered open, revealing red irises. She felt a twinge of disappointment he wasn’t changing. “Do you feel…any different?”

He rubbed her cheek with his thumb. “No. Jasper was wrong. Because that…” He purred, and she smiled in amusement. “That wasn’t a lie.”

“Well…” She bit her lower lip and looked at him teasingly. “I’m not sure I’m clear about what just happened. Maybe you should try ag—”

Alex wrapped both strong arms around Raelyn and held her as they kissed. His claws pushed against her back, but she hardly noticed. She was too busy burying her fingers in his hair, lost in reckless elation as everything else faded in that one, shining moment. He drew the tie off the end of her braid and unraveled the plait, running his fingers through her hair. His mouth moved from her lips to her cheek then her jaw as he purred quietly. His lips pressed against hers again and a whimper escaped her. She pulled back.

“Alex.”

He groaned and leaned his head on her shoulder.

“I know,” she soothed.

“I could kill them.” He raised his head. His eyes glowed and his cheeks were flushed, but he looked more forlorn than angry. “Henry and Tristan.” His voice trembled, and she saw the hesitation in his eyes. “I could—”

“You’re not a killer.” A rock settled in her stomach. “Revenge isn’t who you are.” She caressed his cheek with her fingertips. “It’s part of what I love so much about you.”

“I don’t want to lose you again.” His fingers curled at her back as his eyes glowed. Claws dug into the fabric of her dress and poked her.

“Claws, Alex,” she said gently.

He pulled his hands around in front of himself, looking mortified. “Did I hurt you?”

“No—”

“I could have.” He scowled at his claws and his irises shone brighter. “I’m sorry, I—”

“Shh, it’s all right.” Raelyn put her hand on his cheek and turned his face toward her, feeling the rough edges of a cluster of scales on his jawline. “Please. I want my last memories of you—of us—to be happy.”

“Yes, you’re right.” He lowered himself onto the grass and pulled her down onto his lap. She curled up against him. Alex purred again and wrapped his arms around her, pressing a gentle kiss to her hair.

“I wish there was another way,” he said.

Her heart ached. “I do, too.”

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