Page 36 of Bargains with Benefits
“That’s why you left?” I asked, my voice almost a whisper.
He seemed satisfied with cleaning my foot. “The bleeding has stopped, but I will wrap it anyway.” He pulled the strips of cloth from his pile of work items. Before I could protest, he continued, “That’s not the only reason I left.”
A light breeze swirled around the room, and I thought I knew. “Your wind.”
He looked up, something close to awe in his gaze at my inherent understanding. Of course it was his wind. It was the most unique thing about him. Any old fae family would find it odd, especially if it was so playful all the time.
“So, it’s always like this?” I raised my hand and let the breeze wrap around it.
He laughed. It was the first real one I’d heard since his parents had appeared in the restaurant. “Not quite.”
His wind swept through his hair as if to sass him.
“It’s always been…energetic, but its infatuation with you is new.” The tips of his high cheekbones pinked, and I wanted to lean forward and press my lips to them.
Where did that come from?
His words sped up as he realized what he’d said. “My parents never appreciated that my wind wanted to be used. They believe magic should be powerful and present but more like a status symbol than an actual part of life. Mine strongly disagreed.”
The wind whipped around the room in a frenzy.
“I can understand that.”
“At some point, it all became too much for us. My parents not only punished me when it acted out, but they did everything they could to control it. When I was old enough to figure out how to provide for myself without them, I left.” He swallowed. “I tried to take Skye with me. She didn’t want to go. She may disagree with my parents, but she isn’t one for confrontation.” He tilted his head. “Neither am I, but my magic left me no choice. Hers is...much more naturally what’s expected of old fae family magic, so it was never a problem.”
I didn’t even know what to say. He’d finished bandaging my foot, but his hands were still wrapped around the arch, like he didn’t want to let go. I understood the feeling.
He looked around the room again as if suddenly becoming self-conscious about where we were. “I’m sorry, I’ve not had anyone here before. I don’t think I have anything to offer you.” He glanced down to where he still held my foot and startled as if he’d forgotten what he was doing. Setting it down gently on the couch, he cleared his throat. “I can get you a carriage home.”
His befuddlement was beyond adorable. It was another part of him that didn’t mix with the rest. I wiggled my toes to check for pain. He’d done more than was necessary for my foot. I wasn’t even sure it required this. Slowly, I sat up, pressing my foot to the floor to test it.
“You shouldn’t?—”
I held up my hand, checking my weight on my foot. I didn’t feel a thing. Satisfied, I stood and reached for him where he was still on his knees before me. He glanced up, and I wasn’t prepared for the look that crossed his face. Desire dared to be there, and I couldn’t deny it also throbbed in my chest. I wanted to respect his wishes and get out of his private space, but I wasn’t quite ready for the night to end if he wasn’t.
“I think we should get a drink,” I said, smoothing my dress back into place. Hesitantly, he took my hand as he stood. “I want to take you somewhere. A place where we don’t have to think about the column, my father, or our bargain. In fact, we both should promise not to think of those things at all.”
“Another bargain, Miss Pierce. Didn’t we learn our lesson the first time?”
“I’m not sure what lesson you’ve learned, but our first bargain has only left me wanting more.” Maybe that wasn’t entirely true. We’d been spending so much time prepping for my thing—the article—I hadn’t had to consider the price of our current agreement. I pushed away the thought, wanting to enjoy this moment, this side of Vincent I’d only started to glimpse.
“A bargain of only benefits. We both agree to have fun in the city by the bay.”
He looked at me like he didn’t think he deserved the offer. Like he was ready to refuse.
“Before you say no, please remember your parents said terrible things about me today.”
He looked horrified, his face paling. I smirked, squeezing his hand tighter as he tried to snatch it away.
“I’m kidding.” I tilted my head. “Well, I’m not kidding. They did that, but I would never hold it against you. I’m teasing. You can, of course, say no if you want.” He opened his mouth, and I rambled: “If it makes a difference, I really don’t want you to say no.”
His smile lit up the dark room. “What about your foot?”
I waved my hand. “It’s fine, and I’m sure your wind will help me if I need it—maybe even if I don’t.”
He laughed at that. “Indeed. Alright. Where are we going?”
I shimmied with glee as I slid my foot back into the slipper. “It’s a surprise,” I said, not letting go of his hand as I dragged him back into the night.
