Page 60 of Enchanting the Elf
“Which of those things did he choose for himself?”
Dede narrows her eyes as she considers the question. “I’m assuming neither. But, isn’t he happy?”
“I don’t think he’s brave enough to answer that question,” I say sadly. “The point is, he’snevermade a decision for his own life. His lineage dictates his future. And now, I’m just another thing that the fates have dictated for him too.”
Dede’s eyes widen and a breath whooshes out of her. “Oh. That’s complicated.” She scrunches up her nose and adds haughtily, “I still think he’s dumb for not worshiping at your feet already. But I get where you’re coming from.”
I sigh deeply. A tiny part deep within me agrees with her, but I’d never do something against Adelbert’s wishes.
My eyes drift to the males on the opposite side of the store, valiantly pretending we’re not here with them.
Taking in Adelbert’s tall frame, the way he crosses his arms across his chest and tilts his head to concentrate diligently on whatever Everett is telling him, I tell my sister, “There’s so much more to him than what he shows the world. So much depth. Warmth. Kindness. Strength. He notices things about me that others don’t. He leaves me sweaters to wear every morning. He makes me tea. He appreciates my art. He cooks dinner for me. Every night. I can always count on him.”
Dede whispers the question I have not allowed myself to consider, “What if he chooses you?”
I turn to look at my sister. Hope brims in her eyes but I squash it when I answer, “I can’t allow myself to dream, Dede. We’re checking if the bond might dissipate with this trip. If it’s gone by tomorrow then I’ll go back to Kentucky. Otherwise, I’ll be back in Germany again tomorrow evening.”
“Do you want the bond to break?”
My smile is wan. “Show me a dress I should get.”
Dede narrows her eyes and points a playful finger at me. “I see what you did there, but I’m going to let it slide. Come on, I’ve already picked one out for you.”
I try not to pay any attention to Adelbert, but a strange tether keeps me aware of his position in the building at all times as Everett shows him around.
Chapter twenty-nine
Adelbert
After a day spent touring the store and for the sisters to catch up, we all head to Everett’s house. The women sit out on the balcony to watch the sunset and the Strip light up—apparently one of Sadie’s favorite sights—while Everett and I are in the kitchen downstairs, preparing bibimbap for dinner.
“So, have you made a move on Florence yet?” Everett asks abruptly, trying to catch me off guard.
“That is none of your business,” I grumble as I julienne the carrots.
“So, that’s a yes?” Everett tilts his head and places his head in my field of vision.
I move the carrots aside and start on the zucchini, frustrated by how weak my magic feels here. Not like I would use my mage hand in front of Everett and Sadie, but it feels like a missing limb.
“We have not physically touched. At all,” I finally answer.
In front of me, Everett leans an elbow on the island and props his chin in his hand. “I feel like you’re avoiding the question, but I’ll allow it. Does Florence know how much you like her?”
I scoff, “What? How could you possibly deduce that?” I keep my movements smooth and unaffected, but I know Everett can hear my racing heart.
His trademark smirk appears on his face and he leans back, crossing his arms over his chest in a very arrogant manner. “You have not stopped staring at her since you arrived. Every time she laughs, your head snaps up. Even when you pretend you’re listening to what I’m saying, your eyes always glance back to wherever she is in the room.”
My eyes almost flick up to the stairs where I can sense Florence is, but I refocus my effort on chopping the zucchini into fine strips. The pull to her has become stronger with each hour that has passed since our dinner on theTerrasse. I inhale deeply and put the knife down to brace my hands against the counter, hanging my head forward.
Everett’s brows furrow and he turns pensive. “I’m pretty sure Florence likes you too. Why don’t you guys give it a shot and see if there’s something there?”
“I can’t.” The answer is ripped from my throat. “She deserves to be happy somewhere with a nice human man who can give her everything I cannot.”
Everett straightens his stance and his hands ball into fists. Shaking his hands as if he is struggling not to shake me, hehisses, “Stop being so fucking self-sacrificing. Don’t you think the fates know what they’re doing? You two were put together for a reason.” Everett slaps a hand to his chest, passion fueling his words. “Look at me and Sadie. Perfect fit. No one else gets me on so many levels. And I’m sure it’s the same with Florence. But that woman will never make the first move because—” he points his index finger at me to emphasize his next words “—she. Gets. You.”
Not waiting for a response from me, Everett charges ahead. “Do you know how hard it was for Florence to come to Vegas? She misses Sadie so much, but she never asked you to fly her out here, because she knows the pressure you put on yourself. That your father puts on you. And she doesn’t want to add to that pressure. Because… she understandsyou.”
His words hit me like a sledgehammer to the heart, and my stomach somersaults. My body slumps and my chin dips to my chest.
