Page 22 of Bargains with Benefits
“Kristin.” I stood to greet her. Although she may have played me in our last interaction, there was no need to let her know.
She breezed toward me with no hesitation. Her long blond hair fell straight down her back, and her outfit, a sophisticated black dress, had her looking like old fae—even though she wasn’t. Was this really what I wanted Luna to be like? The thought caught me off guard as Kristin’s hands rested gently on my chest with an ownership I didn’t care for. She placed featherlight kisses on both of my cheeks. I wanted to step back, to push her away, to do anything so we didn’t appear quite as familiar, but doing so would only prove she’d affected me.
“You should have told me you were coming in.”
I’d selected this time precisely because Skye had said Kristin wouldn’t be here. I wondered what had gone wrong.
“What brings you in? Finally here to invite me on one of your secret recommendation tours?” She smiled. “Or maybe to your family’s solstice party?”
I let my wind cool me from the inside, positive a blush touched my cheeks. This was the problem with Kristin. While many had taught me they only valued me for the recommendations, few had reached shamelessly for my column and my family name. That honor belonged to Kristin only—and I’d been the last to see it.
It had been an...unfortunate lesson to learn.
She’d asked me something. What was it? Oh, inviting herself to both an Andiveron family event and my work. Ishook my head, feeling foolish that there had been a time where I would have offered her both. Finding the words for this situation was proving more challenging than I thought.
“Vincent, I think we’re about—” Skye cut off when she noticed Kristin with her hands still resting on my chest.
“Skye, I was telling your brother how naughty he was for not mentioning he’d be here. I hope you were unaware as well.”
The look Skye gave me was apologetic. Kristin must not have been expected. I took a step back, freeing myself from Kristin’s touch. Only then did I realize Luna was standing with Skye, a pile of clothing draped over her arm and a curious look on her face. How much had she heard?
“It was a happy surprise when Vincent and Luna arrived.” Skye turned fully, taking the heap of clothes from Luna’s arms. Whatever passed between the two was a mystery to me, but when Skye stepped out of the way with the clothing in her arms, Luna was the picture of old fae, and she smiled…at me.
This was the first time Kristin took notice of Luna. Her brow arched in question as Luna, in a black skirt and matching sweater that separated at the back, sauntered toward me. She held my gaze, something earnest in those bright blue eyes. Like she was asking for permission? I had no idea what she wanted, but I must have responded appropriately because she slid into place between Kristin and me. She looped her arm around me, pulling my hand across to her back.
My hand met exposed skin. The back of her sweater parted in a daring display. She might be all old fae fashion from the front, but she’d found a way to remain Luna with the outfit. Wild wind whipped in my chest. I didn’t stop it as it blew the hair from her shoulders in an embarrassingly possessive display.
Her brightly painted lips curved into a radiant smile, and she snuggled closer to my chest. Unsure what was happening, I did what came naturally: I let my fingers slide across her lowerback, curl around her waist, and pull her close. Then I leaned in, taking in her scent. There was no moonflower and juniper this time; she smelled like a fresh breeze by the sea.
“Vincent…” Kristin’s tone was unamused. “You haven’t introduced your friend.”
“Oh,” I said with genuine surprise, having completely forgotten Kristin was there. “This is Luna—” I cut myself off, unsure if Luna wanted to share her surname. It would come out eventually with the article; there was no way to make the declaration we wanted without making the family connection, but that didn’t mean she had to do it today.
“I’m Luna Pierce.” She held her hand out to Kristin.
Kristin’s jaw flexed at the surname. She knew the old fae families better than most. I could only assume she spent her free time searching for an heir to one that she could sink her claws into. It had worked with me for a while.
When Kristin said nothing, only briefly clutching her hand in a semblance of greeting, Luna glanced back at me. “We should go, Vincent.”
“Did you get everything you need?”
She shared a look with Skye. “These will work.”
“Wonderful.” I clapped my hands together, pretending this had gone according to plan. “I have another stop in mind, and it seems you’re already dressed for the occasion.”
Kristin gave a terse nod and slipped away from us without another word. Skye handed me the stack of clothing, and her arm slipped into Luna’s, their heads bent together to whisper as they walked to the storefront. I was loathe to remove my hand from Luna’s back, but clearly, some bond had formed between the women that took precedence over my odd mix of confusion and desire.
“These were perfect, Skye. Thank you,” Luna said.
Skye waved her off. “I told you it was about blending, notchanging. We still found a way to be you.” She giggled as she added, “Vincent seemed to appreciate it.”
Luna flushed, and something swelled in my chest at the sight.
“Thanks for your help back there,” Skye whispered.
It took me a minute to understand Luna’s dismissive wave. She glanced at me, not quite pity in her gaze, as she replied. “We’ve all been there. Unfortunately, not everyone is who they seem to be in this city.”
My eyes widened, and Luna smirked. “Just because I give people the benefit of the doubt”—she paused, giving me a once over—“usually, doesn’t mean I can’t tell when someone is abusing it.”
