Page 70 of Tik-Tok
“Keep touching me like that and I can’t guarantee you’ll look this pristine when we dock,” he purred.
Her hair was pinned into two buns atop her head with a few loose tendrils hanging down the front. She wore a long, dark pink dress, its skirts pleated with silver jewels lining its length.
North itched to remove his tunic, his pants, until he was bare before her, but they would have to wait. “After the celebration.” She didn’t pull back, leaving her forehead kissing his. “Are you ready to properly meet my family?”
Tik-Tok arched a dark brow. “I’m thrilled.”
Her grin grew wider. He was doing this for her and wouldn’t dare step foot in the Land of Oz otherwise. Crow had sent word that there would be a celebration in the South with food and dancing in honor of North’s new brother.
“Have you decided where we’re going after we visit Echo and Respen?” Once they left her parents’ territory, they would be headed there.
“First, I want to read the romance book that made you think rowing was romantic.” Tik-Tok stood and picked up North from the bed. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her over to his desk before he set her on the cool wood. He spread her legs apart and pushed closer to her warmth, causing her breath to catch. “Then I want to watch you peel off each piece of clothing.” He kissed the corner of her mouth. “Very slowly.” Another kiss to the other side. “I think you know what happens after that.”
With a smirk, he leaned in, her body heating. Her heart thumped wildly, and she was about to give in to temptation when his hand brushed past her. A shuffling of papers sounded as he picked up a folded map from his desk. Taking a step back, he opened the map to a picture of all of the Fae Lands and took a seat beside her. Across the yellowed paper were numerous black circles within the seas.
He pointed at each one of the markings near the South. “These are the portals I’ve learned about over the years that lead to different worlds.”
Tik-Tok motioned at the map with his chin for her to choose where she wanted to go. When she’d learned there were more portals she could potentially open and explore, she’d wanted to discover what else was out there. She studied each marking.
“How about this one?” She pointed at a dark circle directly in the middle of the sea.
“As long as it isn’t infested with bloodthirsty fiends, then your wish is my command, my star.” He paused. “Before we go to your parents, I have one more thing to show you.” A crease formed between her brows as he clasped her hand and drew her out the door of their room to the deck. “What? I’m full of surprises.”
“Sometimes,” North drawled, taking in the salty scent of the air, “those surprises involve long training sessions.”
“You did tell me you wanted to learn how to aim.” He grinned. “You’ll get there eventually.”
She hadn’t gotten any better, but she would never stop trying. The extra time spent with him was worth it.
Tik-Tok stopped in front of the handrail and drew off his glove. His golden appendage flickered beneath the suns’ rays. He peeled off the magic ring he’d placed on her finger once before.
“Give me your hand.” Tik-Tok cocked his head, the edges of his lips tugging upward.
North held out her hand and he slowly slid the ring onto her middle finger. She watched as the band changed from silver to the purest of golds.
“There,” he said, locking his gaze on hers. “In case you ever need it, while my heart still beats, you have my magic.”
“What if I want to share my magic with you instead?” She peered up at him, blinking, her chest feeling fuller than it ever had.
Tik-Tok stood behind her and entwined their fingers, his nose nuzzling her neck. “You already have.”
