Page 69 of Monsters in Love

“It just…isn’t usually done.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Is this because gargoyles look down on humans? Consider us ‘lesser,’ even though your kind serves and protects mine?”

“I didn’t say that,” he protests.

“That doesn’t mean you don’t think it,” I point out.

“It’s not that I think humans are lesser. Just different. It’s as if someone asked why you hadn’t befriended more trees. I doubt the thought occurred to you.”

I snort. “That isnotthe same and you know it. Trees aren’t sentient. We’re talking about two species who can cohabitate and communicate.” Another thought occurs to me. “Can humans and gargoyles cross-breed? What would that even look like? Granted, I don’t have a lot to go on, but based on you, gargoyles are huge. Could a human woman even carry a half-gargoyle baby?”

He looks horrified—again—which is basically his normal expression every time we talk. Or when I talkathim, which is mostly what we do. “That has never happened. Could never happen. I admit there may have been a few friendships over the years, but never relationships of that nature. I assure you.”

I give him a long up-and-down look and waggle my eyebrows suggestively. “Why not? You’re built all to hell and back and have a pretty face. We could give it a go.”

His slate-blue skin actually turns a little pink as a blush washes over his face. “I…what…you…” he splutters and I burst out laughing.

“Luc, I’m teasing you. Don’t get your knickers in a twist.” Well, I’mmostlyteasing. Though I am curious what it might be like. And it’s been a while since I had any hands on me other than my own. I could use the fun.

“It’s been many years since I’ve spent time with a human, and even then, it was only Celeste. She was more…reserved in her conversational choices.”

I grin. “Times have changed, buddy. These days women earn money, make choices, and occasionally tell dirty jokes. You’re gonna have to get used to it and work on not being offended by every little thing.”

“I was not offended. Merely surprised,” he says, looking as prim as a gothic governess.

I need to change the subject and stop considering the naughty things we might do together, if only he would relax for five minutes. “Speaking of things that might surprise you: I’m thinking of demolishing the hedge maze.”

To my credit, he does look a little startled by the idea. “Why?”

I walk back to the picture window and he follows me. It’s dark now, but there’s enough moonlight to see the maze. “Look at it. It’s a disaster. I can’t even imagine how much work it would take to get it in shape. And then the maintenance…surely there’s something better to do with that chunk of land.”

“I suppose. But that maze has been here as long as the manor itself. Mary had it built. It’s hard to imagine this place without it.”

I look at him and grin, suddenly struck by an urge. “Let’s go walk it.”

“Now?”

“Why not?”

“It’s dark and that maze has been abandoned for at least forty years, maybe more. You really want to stumble around in there?”

“We’ll bring flashlights. Besides, it’s not like we can go in the daytime. You’re stone.”

“That’s true,” he says. “But you could go without me.”

“Well, that’s no fun. It’s something we should do together. I want to explore the maze at least once before I tear it down. Please? As my friend?”

He raises one of those patrician brows at me. “Hmm. I see you’re already playing the friend card. Next you’ll ask to borrow money.”

I goggle at him. “Lucien Lafitte, did you just make a joke?”

He looks as startled as I am. “I suppose I did. Huh.” He glances back out the window. “You know, I can fly. I can just take us to the center of the maze any time we want to go.”

I stick my tongue out at him. “That’s cheating and you know it. Come on, I really think we should do this.” I stare out at the full moon, hanging low and fat in a dark sky. I don’t know what this compulsion is, but I feel like if I don’t go to the maze now, I’ll always regret it.

“But the trunks,” Luc says. “There are so many books up here, plus the ones in the library. We’re pressed for time as it is. Why waste it on this ridiculous endeavor?”

I turn to him and reach for his shoulders, which I can barely touch, he’s so tall. I meet his dark gaze and speak as seriously as I can. “Please, do this with me. I don’t know why, but this is something that needs to happen, and it needs to happen now, under the full moon. Call it witch’s intuition.”

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