She raised her singular brow at me, the other half of her face covered once again. “It is a beautiful day and my friend has returned to me. Yes, I am enjoying myself immensely.”
I opened my mouth to tell her just what I thought of her cheeky comment but I was suddenly pressed back into Penina’s side, her conspiratory tone low when she whispered to me.
“So you and the king…” Her big brown eyes sparkled and she wiggled her brows, the gold piercings glinting in the sun.
“The rush of battle.” I formed my words carefully, resisting the happy sigh that wanted to escape me. Fighting alongside Emon’s formidable power was breathtaking. And then that kiss, goddess help me that kiss.
Xi snickered. “Right…I’ve seen you after battles before and never did you fuck the first fae in sight.”
“I did not fuck him!” I punched her hard in the arm.
Uncontrollable giggles bursted from the tiny shifter cuddling against me. The sound catching many frowns as we walked the white stoned paths.
We couldn't get to Griffins Gateau fast enough.
My former captain rolled her visible eye and snorted. “You’re both lucky you had clothes on or that’s exactly what would have happened.”
Penina snickered. “Then, I call that very unlucky.” She patted my arm when I scowled fiercely forwards, not daring to meet their eyes. “That’s not even the best part though. Did you see the look on Tyr’s face?”
Xi laughed outright. “His jaw hung open for almost a whole minute and the bastard actually blushed.”
“Nowhe wasthe lucky one. Lucky he didn’t get his head ripped off. I thought Emon was going to rip his head off.” Penina’s brown eyes widened dramatically.
A slow smile spread across my heated face that had nothing to do with the sun. “You both are incorrigible. Besides, I saw the way Tyr was looking at you, Xi. Care to share with us?”
“We are here.” Xi said quickly, turning to the shop and ducking under the shade.
Penina giggled. “I wish you the best of luck in understanding those three.”
I gave the shifter a side glance. “Three?”
She hummed. “Riley, Tyr, and Xi, of course. It is quite a conundrum.”
I glanced over at my former captain who opened the door, ignoring our low whispers. When the aroma of fresh baked bread, warm spices, and chocolatey sweetness caused my mouth to water, I filed away my intrigue for a later time. Goddess, that smell, it almost smelled like Emon but notquiteas delicious.
I jumped when Penina released me, supporting herself on her knees as she howled with uncontrollable laughter once more.
Xi’s eye was wide on her face and there was a blush spreading across her olive skin.
“Did I miss something?” I frowned with genuine confusion.
“The king…” Penina gasped, her soulful brown eyes sparkling with mirth, “the king smells…” she laughed harder. “...delicious.”
This time the blood drained from my face. “No….I didn’t say that out loud…please tell me I didn’t say it out loud?”
Xi yanked on her white hair to cover more of her heated face. “Rush of battle eh?”
Shadows burst around me. “For goddess sakes! I blame you both for this!” I practically ran into the shop to hide the utter embarrassment I had created for myself.
Penina’s laughter lowered. “Shit. She isn’t going to kill us is she?” I heard her say behind me.
“Naw, if Rem wanted to kill you, she’d let you know beforehand.” Xi said dryly.
“That’s a relief.” Penina said with genuine consolation.
I silently chuckled and shook my head. Xi wasn’t wrong but it still didn’t stop the slight sadness I felt that Penina feared me. When I met the eyes of the large baker, Drey cowering on the back wall, I stilled. His eyes were trained on my shadows swarming around me. Waving my hand I snapped them out of existence but the damage was already done. If the baker was afraid of me the first time I arrived in his shop then today he was right terrified.
“I’m so sorry, Drey, I mean you no harm. We just came for the delicious hand pies you sold me yesterday. It was truly the best pastry I have ever had.”
