Page 60 of Realm of Nightmares
Maeve bit the inside of her lip. Heat bled into her cheeks. It was obvious he was already fully aware of everything she purchased. She took his teasing in stride. “You said I could put everything on your tab.”
“Indeed I did.” The silver of his eyes magnified with power, almost swallowing his pupils entirely. “Though you do realize the onyx nipple clamps you bought require another willing participant?”
Ah. So it was the nipple clamps that roused his interest.
She offered him a cool, easy smile. “I’m aware.”
Aed’s dark brows lifted and he took a lazy step toward her.
“But if I recall, you prefer your pleasuresdarker.” Maeve lifted one shoulder and heaved an exaggerated sigh. “And since I’m the Dawnbringer, I would imagine any kind of joining between the two of us would be catastrophic.”
Shock pinned him in place, and then he laughed, full and rich. The sound of it caused tingles to shiver across her skin.
“It’s good to see your spine has returned. I was wondering how long I’d have to wait for that spitfire attitude of yours to show its pretty face.” He draped one arm casually around her shoulders. “There’s a gift for you in your room.”
Maeve glanced up at him, keeping herself guarded. “From who?”
“Me.” His smile oozed charm.
“A gift,” she repeated. “From you.”
She didn’t think the god of death bestowed presents on just anyone, and she had no idea what he could possibly have gotten her. Or why, for that matter. Accepting a gift from Aed likely came with a very specific set of strings attached, but refusing him was out of the question. For the most part, he was amiable and mildly undemanding, but insulting him came with consequences she wasn’t prepared to confront.
“Fear not.” He removed his hand from her shoulder and gestured toward the door of her room, his smile never wavering. “I won’t demand any sort of repayment or force you into an unsavory accord.”
Knots tangled inside her stomach, clenching and twisting. She reached for the handle and shoved open the door, peering inside.
Lying across the bed was the most gorgeous gown she’d ever seen.
It was strapless and the bodice was cut low, heavily beaded with rubies, garnets, and fiery midnight opals. Decadent scarlet silk pooled across the velvet comforter and intricate black lace roses crawled up the skirt from the hem. The slit was incredibly high, coming to the waist, and a pair of long, matching satin gloves were laid next to it.
Maeve stepped closer, careful not to touch the dress. She was still covered in grime and blood from fighting Laurel, and the last thing she wanted to do was ruin the stunning fabric.
She looked over at Aed.
He stood in the doorway, his arms casually folded across his chest.
“What’s this for?” she asked, studying him. There had to be a reason for his generosity. Nothing was ever given freely. Not in the fae realm, mortal lands, and certainly not in the Ether.
“I’m hosting a party. A celebration, if you will.” He spoke as though that explained all she needed to know.
She stared at him, waiting patiently.
The god of death arched a brow. “It’s Samhwyn, Maeve.”
“Oh!” She hadn’t realized the autumn holiday was already upon them. She must’ve lost track of time. “You didn’t have to buy me anything. I didn’t realize gifts were customary during Samhwyn.”
“They’re not.” He watched her with measured intensity, and her nerves flared to life. “This present is for something else.”
“But you just said—”
“It’s foryou.” He bowed, a gesture of generosity. “For your birthday.”
If he’d pierced her through the heart with her own dagger, she would’ve been no less surprised. Shock stabbed its way through her, rendering her speechless. Her nose burned and the unmistakable prick of tears gathered in her eyes. She’d never celebrated her birthday before, she hadn’t even known the exact date. Her watery gaze slid to the gown laid across the bed.
It was the first time she’d ever been given a birthday present.
“It’s fitting, don’t you think?” Aed continued, oblivious to the way her heart wrenched inside of her chest. “That you were born during the celebration marking the end of the harvest season. Quintessentially autumn, I should think.”
