Page 25 of Touched

Callum is not terrible.

He’s far from it. He’s kind, curious, and gentle. But still strong.

Let’s not forget that being near him creates flutters in my stomach… and other places.

His touch sends prickling heat over my skin, awakening each nerve in my body. I so badly wish to feel his lips pressed to mine.

A flush rushes to my cheeks. I’ve never kissed anyone, not that there hasn’t been ample opportunity. It’s just that no Fae has ever piqued my interest… like that.

And now, even in the midst of the fury of my parents, all I can think of is tipping my chin up as Callum,a human—or is he— leans down and meets my mouth with his.

The picture is so vivid inside my head.

Oh, hells.

My eyes pop open and I realize I’m daydreaming. Glancing at the window, the waning light from outside reveals the sun is still out. I need to find a way to occupy my thoughts, or I’ll go completely crazy thinking of Callum.

Seeing Ma and Da in the garden, I sigh in resignation, knowing I’m never getting past them. Then, the sound of the heavy wooden front door closes and Cyrus walks over to them. After a mere minute he walks away, in the direction of his plot of land and his abundant gardens.

Going back to the bookshelf, I pull out the worn, leather-bound book I was reading before the interruption. Sitting on the floor next to it, with my back resting against the shelf, I crisscross my legs. My wings finally stop buzzing, vibrating with nervous energy, and flutter gently as normal.

I turn the pages until the wordvirginpops out at me. My cheeks heat again, but I read on. I’m not sure how much I believe now of anything in the books, but I fight a small smirk as I read how the lore says Sylphs are protectors of virgins.

If they are protectors of virgins, does that mean they keep them in that state?

Wholly untouched?

But then, how would they mate with… er, humans?

My chest warms as I think about what it would be like to be with Callum that way. To let him be the one who receives the gift of my virtue. To have his large frame settled between my thighs.

Sure, Fae are sexual beings. Many are quite free with their bodies. It’s not uncommon for Fae to have many lovers until they Zing. But once they Zing, they become monogamous with their Kindred mate.

I’ve never even felt a sizzle or a hint of a connection with anyone.

Until Callum…

My core trembles and heat races through me. My eyes dart around like someone may be watching me or hearing my thoughts. Even so, I can’t push down the images, in my mind, of his large hands lightly brushing over my fevered skin.

My breathing is labored as the forbidden thoughts swirl, causing a physical reaction within me. I jump as my door flies open unexpectedly.

Ma looks down, her brow pinching as she sees the book in my hand. “We’re going to the market. I think it’s best you come along.”

Understanding the seriousness of the situation, and not wanting to make it worse, I nod, and carefully put my book away. Then, I follow her outside.

* * *

Irush to the meeting room, still reeling from what happened just minutes ago. The whole ride over I looked to the sky, hoping to get a glimpse of Aeris. Or at least some sign of her being nearby. Hoping for a mere breeze, or gust of wind, sending trash up from the streets flying around. But the air is incredibly stagnant and humid.

I was only outside for a minute between the truck and the doors to the station, and my shirt is stuck to me like a second skin, sweat rolling down my neck.

“LeBlanc, nice of you to grace us with your presence,” Lieutenant Antoine barks. He’s not the television version of a police lieutenant. He’s a real man of New Orleans. A Creole. Tall, muscular, light eyes and café au lait skin. He has a nice smile and a terrific laugh—when he uses it. His hair is mostly pepper sprinkled with a little salt and he keeps a close shave. All these things will bode well for him when he runs for mayor.

Instead of arguing,no point, because he’s right,I nod and settle into a chair.

“Now, like I was saying,” Lieutenant Antoine continues, “the drop is supposed to happen tomorrow at midnight. We have teams coordinated here, here, and here,” he says as he smacks a pointer against the hanging map on the whiteboard. There are different colored stickers for each team stuck to our respective positions. “We need everyone alert and ready,” he says, glaring at me, letting me know I’m not off the hook for showing up late.

I shift in my seat, feeling his censure. None of this would be happening if it wasn’t for my lead. But the intense stare of the lieutenant lets me know… now isn’t the time to zone out. Instead, I jerk my chin, acknowledging him, and pull a pen and pad from the desk next to me to start taking notes.

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