Page 47 of Redeeming the Angel

“That’s a terrible idea,” I grumbled through chattering teeth.

“You won’t be able to teleport yourself back to the tower in this state,” he said firmly.“You’d have to walk there from the village,andwalk through the nightmare forest.And the cold would weaken you further.”

Damn it, he was right.“Fine.”

I tried to tell myself I’d never wondered what Lucian had done with the inside of the guesthouse.But I did.

The place was already warmer inside, but when Lucian threw a fireball onto the stack of logs in the fireplace, welcome heat enveloped me.

As if knowing I needed a moment, he headed off for the kitchen and filled the tea kettle while I headed to the hearth to warm myself.When my teeth stopped chattering, I turned my back to the fire and was finally able to notice his décor.

Lilacs surrounded me.

Paintings, delicate blown glass sculptures, and even real ones encased in glass, my favorite flower was everywhere.Somehow, the repeated theme didn’t look kitschy.Maybe it was the mixed media and the way the color complemented the cream walls, or maybe it was the other non-lilac items that caught my notice, paintings and sculptures of ships, seashells, and other nautical items.And when I turned back to face the fire, I saw a granite wolf next to a marble lioness on top of the mantle, bookended with garnets and wooden lizards.

The tea kettle whistled, making me jump.I turned and headed to the small dining room table, noticing that even the placemats had lilacs embroidered on them.Lucian emerged from the kitchen, carrying a tray with two steaming mugs of tea and little vessels of honey, sugar, and cream.

The tips of his ears were red as he set down the tray and followed my gaze around the décor.

“You filled this place with all of my favorite things.”I meant the words to be an accusation, but instead my tone came out awed.“Why not any ofyourfavorites?”

He walked toward me, his cerulean eyes deep as the sea I so loved.“Butyouare my favorite.Everything you love, you’ve shown me through your eyes and taught me to love.Every lilac, every ship, every little lizard brings me the happiest memories of times I’ve spent with you.”

And suddenly I was in his arms, his lips covering mine.I kissed him back hungrily, moaning in delight at the taste of him, a flavor I hadn’t had in decades and had missed so much.Lucian’s answering groan made heat pool between my thighs.His tongue delved into my mouth, sliding across mine in a sensuous dance.

Warm bliss flowed over me in a dizzying swirl.Fates, how I’d needed this.

My hands roved over his strong back and plunged into his silken hair, a texture my fingertips had longed for.I moved against him, whimpering in frustration, wanting more.His warm hands slid down to my hips and before I knew it, he was lifting me onto the table.I threw my arms over his shoulders and wrapped my legs around his waist, bringing my body in full contact with his.

A moan escaped my lips as I felt his hardness between my legs, pressing so deliciously to the place that ached for him.Lucian thrust against me as his tongue echoed the erotic movement.

My hands began to pull at his shirt, and only when my palm made contact with his hot skin did I realize what I was doing.

“Stop,” I gasped.

Lucian immediately broke the kiss and released me.“What’s wrong?”

“All of this,” I choked past a lump in my throat.“I can’t do this.Not again.”

“Yes, you can.”His blue eyes were pleading and deep enough to drown in.“No one is dictating your life anymore.You’re free.”

“No, I’m not.”I scooted off the table and grabbed my coat.“Pain dictates my life.And I can’t bear any more hurt.”

With that, I ran out the door.I hoped the cold wintery air would cool the fire burning me to death from the inside, but instead, my memories fanned the flames.

Chapter Seventeen

Kerainne

Past

Lucian had only been gone for two weeks and I already found myself missing him.I held our courtship agreement close to my heart, and wondered what it would be like to feel his naked skin against mine, to feel our bodies fully joined.I silenced the thoughts before they became full-fledged fantasies.I needed to focus on spending time with my sister.Delgarias was out somewhere, practically the first waking hour that he and Nik hadn’t been together, despite our parents refusing permission for them to marry.

She was in my apartments, lounging on my bed and admiring the mural I’d painted on the ceiling fifty years ago.I hoped she wouldn’t notice how nearly every male in the painting looked like Lucian and interrupted her appraisal of my work.“Mother seems to be vexed that Delgarias’s stay has been longer than normal.”

“Good.”

I laughed at her growly tone.“And she is still furious that you two behaved like a mated pair while the Jagwolfes were visiting.”

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