Page 76 of Shifting Winds
“True. You’re bossy.”
“So are you.”
I snorted. “You’re responsible for thousands of other people. How could you ever be a full partner to me?”
Caelan stiffened.
I winced. The words had fallen from my mouth before I realized what I was saying. “I don’t mean it like that. You are a Lord. I’m…” I let my voice trail off.
“You’re the heir to the Fae King,” Caelan said quietly. “I could ask the same of you.”
I froze. “How’d you know?”
“I may not be a genius,” Caelan said quietly, “but I’m not an idiot. You’re a princess and it’s not hard to connect the dots. With his constant attention, it’s no secret he’s grooming you for other things.” He bent and scooped me into his arms, ignoring my stunned yelp. “You’re pushing me away. Again.”
“Caelan.”
“Don’t argue with me, woman. Not now.” His voice was a low growl, an assault on my senses.
I shivered. “See. Bossy.” My fingers slid up his neck and curled in his unruly hair, the satin strands sliding against my skin.
Caelan’s eyes flashed gold. “Do you want me to stop?”
I chuckled. “Nope.”
A flash of teeth turned into a full-fledged wild grin. Caelan gathered me closer and took off at a swift run as a delighted laugh tore from my throat.
Hours later, I untangled myself from the Shifter Lord who promptly objected and pulled me back against him with a snarl.
“I have to get home.”
“Stay,” he murmured against my bare shoulder.
“I’ve neglected my land and the greenhouse. If I don’t get it taken care of tonight, I might have to replace some windows.”
“I’m rich. I’ll pay for them.”
I laughed and smacked a kiss on his forearm. “Let go.”
“Don’t make me get bossy again.”
Wiggling my way out of his firm grasp, I bent to grab my bra and shirt, dressing quickly as he rolled over. The gleam in his eyes made me go even faster. His eyes flashed.
“You could stay here, you know.”
“I know. But I just told you why I had to go.”
“That’s not what I mean.”
I stilled, fingers pausing over the button to my pants. He could not be asking what I thought he was asking. A couple of hours ago, we were fighting.
“From the deer in the headlights expression,” Caelan said, amusement in his voice, “I can see you suspect where I’m going with this.”
“Moving in?” I squeaked.
Caelan slid down the edge of the bed, movements lethally graceful. “Don’t you think moving in would be the natural progression?”
“Um. If we were a normal couple, yes,” I allowed. “But we haven’t dated for that long and, if you haven’t noticed, your counterparts hate me.”
