Book 2: Kindred Spirit

By CC Rose

Book 2 in the Rehema Series.
Rehema’s love for Connor is unwavering and growing stronger, despite the unsaid argument between Connor and Karson, her life feels complete and full. But after a meeting with the Nyssa, and discovering she has a power linked to the worst Ryder of all time; Rehema doubts why she is a chosen Ryder. Danger is lurking closer with the ever present nightmare of Walter, as the ghost’s cryptic messages become twined with Rehema and her new found power of foresight. Her days of happiness are threatened when she envisions her town in jeopardy, and she will risk everything, including leaving La’Kera and the academy, to aid as the Ryder she wants to be. The hope of her future hangs on the balance of an oath, when she sees the truth of her vision come to light. She will fight with the power of Dy’Monian, and it will change her life forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CC Rose
• Release date: Dec 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311679543

CC Rose

C C Rose lives in Queensland Australia.Inspired by all things magical, mystical and other worldly, creatures, fantasy and dragons most of all.Aim for the stars, and you’ll land on the moon.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Corbin! Corbin! I called from the doorway. Several guests eyed me with suspicion, since I wasn’t dressed for the party. I eyed everyone just as oddly. I wasn’t allowed to be here, but there was only one person I needed to see.

Oh, gorgeous. What are you doing? Corbin was dressed in one of his finer suits, a red silk shirt with matching tie and a rose in the pocket. His black hair slicked handsomely as he casually walked towards me, scowling my appearance. My party is not casual wear. You need to be dressed in fine wear.

I’m not here for the party, Corbin. I came by to ask you for a favour.

And you waited until now? He noted the late hour.

Well, yeah. See … you know how it’s Connor’s birthday tomorrow.

Oh, yes. The one and only age, he’ll be for the rest of his days. He half rolled his eyes, tilting his nose up.

So … I wanted to give him a surprise party.

Corbin smiled wider, with a wink to tease me. Oh, Rehema. You are definitely a partier at heart. Why not come here.

I can’t. I’m not allowed, remember. And I want to celebrate his birthday for him, not just another Kl’Ors festive. You and Karson have to come as well as Tora, and anyone you think is Connor’s friends.

Oh, Rehema. You need to read up on us Ryders of today if you want to know that.

Well, I tried to. But Karson made me read up on some old guy from the third century this week and sixteen other Ryders I’ll never meet.

Oh, you. Alright. So, private party it is. So, you will need a room, food, wine, cake, clothes … you will dress in party clothes? He eyed me sceptically.

Yes. Of course. Um … is there any way I can make the cake?

You want to make a cake? Why so dangorian of you.

It’s tradition in Plumridge to bake a cake for someone you care about. And Connor needs a nice … um, what’s his favourite? It’s that one with white icing and orange filling, made with … carrots.

Carrot cake? That’s not a birthday cake. You need one of the fancier designs.

No. I want him to have a carrot cake. He loves carrot cake.

Hmmm … all right then, so. You want to make it? He turned his eyes away to have a silent word with someone on the festive floor. I have to return to my party. I’ll tell you what. I’ll get it all sorted for you for tomorrow, and hopefully we’ll all be able to go. You’ll have to check with Karson on the cake making arrangements.

Thanks Corbin. I knew you’d be the one to help out.

Oh, you need to learn the secrets around here. If you ever want to hold a secret party, you need only barter off something with the house elves. They’ll pretty much take care of you for the rest of your stay.

Um … Well, I didn’t want to accidentally get them in trouble, and besides, I do want to come to your parties some day.

Oh, yes. And you will. This week. I promise. Let’s hope my brother is in a mingling mood. Now scoot before Croft sees you here. The last thing I need is her to give you punishment for being out of bed after hours and not seeing your Bond.

You’re right. Thanks again. I waved him off and headed to the end of the hall as fast as I could. My smile was too wide, even La’Kera hummed with the prospect of making Connor happy.

He is to be twenty-five, and they say it is the day that all Ryders have a sense of glow. And the other dragons tell that they too, feel the moment they are touched … it is a puzzling way of describing their Bond will be ageless as of that moment. Though, why their twenty-fifth, why not the twenty-sixth.

I don’t know La’Kera, maybe it’s just a dragon magic, something they forgot to tell us about.

No. You have read a lot on the gloves, the lores and laws … and all kinds of other lores in the past week. I don’t think it’s that at all … but it will be interesting to watch Brow’Dur and see if he does glow.

I don’t think it’s actually like that.

Admit that you will be watching Connor just as closely.

Oh, that’s because I want to look at him endlessly … nothing more.

And to think it has been a week since you two met … it seems so long ago that you were here with the other students. Do you miss them?

Course not. Though, I do kind of miss Alyssa and Tobias. They were sort of fun that whole day I met them.

I am pleased you miss them … Sky’Ros wanted me to ask … his Bond wished to know how you were faring.

Hmm … Well, don’t pass on anything just yet. I might come and see you, while Sky’Ros is around and Al’Tara, that way I can ask their Bonds how they are faring in EzRah.

Then let us rest this night, I will wait for your dream alarm as usual. She snorted playfully. Those dreams are starting to become troublesome. Will they ever stop?

I couldn’t answer her. She was right. They were troublesome, annoying, and painful. Walter’s death repeated endlessly every morning; the little girl screaming at me with tears. She was adamant I was the only one, which didn’t help me at all. I know I’m the only Dy’Monian, but what does that have to do with her. La’Kera sometimes thinks she is stuck in a loop, a time jam, and can’t break free of the area. The only problem I have … was, I don’t know this girl. I never saw her until this night, two weeks ago; and she was still ever present. Running along the halls, the sound of sobs in the night, she even screamed several times, making me panic and look for her. She giggled and ran off with a half tune of a melody I didn’t know, to show up in my dreams with the coded line of only you.

I headed to my room, climbing into bed, I couldn’t wait for tomorrow. To give Connor a birthday present, and if I’m lucky, to cook him a cake.

Tilting my head to the side, I stared at the strange object on my bedside table. It was a magic lesson gone wrong, but it was perfect. I had no shops here, no way of going to EzRah. I thought of sending someone in for me, but I had no crowns to spend. Taking in the orb of twisted leaves, twined, and tethered into each other. The ball wasn’t perfect, but it was delicate looking; and inside was a shard of glass, a wide leaf shape with a prominent tip. I smiled at the orb, remembering the lesson Karson gave me three days ago on magic as an art form. To combine two forms of mânã together, but one had to be a form of two formed mânã’s. It was tricky, to make glass, then to make the bramble ball. The questions played on me. Would Connor like it? Would he think it too stupid, simple? He was Em’Adels. This was something he would make all the time. Damn it. I should make him something better.

It’s fine, Rehema. He will love it. She was tired, but truthful.

It was fair to say that Connor and I were blossoming in our relationship. He made me smile endlessly, teasing me whenever he could, and found a way to sneak into my classes while Karson was in mid lecture or before class started. The first few times, Karson made comments on Connor needing extra lessons, and even added him on the list of students present in class. It made me roll my eyes at them both, since neither of them would tell me what was going on. Their said argument as it was so noted by all, and never spoken about. I came to the understanding; it wasn’t the two of them that were the main reason for the argument. A third person, maybe a fourth, I couldn’t be sure. They didn’t elaborate on why they were arguing, from glaring eyes, to dark looks, sometimes it was playful, teasing jokes or low blows as Walt would have called them. I was hoping for the one best thing that tomorrow would allow, but first, I had to sleep. Only after combat would I be able to find out for sure, and even then, if Karson’s in a good mood or not.

***

Okay, Rehema, tell me what’s going on?

With what? I huffed in my stretches.

With you doing six laps without even rolling your eyes, the kilo bells completed before I even arrived, and you were eager to do again. Your combat was twice as more efficient this morning than any other day this week. What’s going on?

Oh. Er … it’s Connor’s birthday.

Tora mentioned that last night.

She did? I was surprised.

Yes, Rehema. Remembering her sons’ birth is part of motherhood.

Oh, right. I shifted my arms behind me, bending them and slowly relaxing more from my six lap run.

It’s Connor’s birthday … Karson encouraged. And I am assuming you’re wanting the day off.

Well, actually I need you to tell him I’m in class … least till lunch time.

You want me to lie to him.

No. I … I don’t like lies. They cause too much trouble. Just … if he asks, why I’m still in class. You can say: oh, Rehema is failing her history, she needs more class time, I faked a deep voice, which only made Karson smile twice as amused.

"And are you going to be in history today?"

Um … no. I was … sort of hoping you could take me to the kitchen. I know the house elves get angry if one of us goes back there, but if a teacher is there, they’re less likely to get angry.

And what is it you’re planning to accomplish in the kitchen?

Bake a cake.

Karson laughed. You’re going to so much trouble.

Well, he’s twenty-five and that’s a big thing with Ryders.

It’s not that big. Just a touch of him and Brow’Dur completing their link. The final stage if you will.

You mean it’s … it’s already happened? My face fell with devastation. I didn’t think of that. What if it happened this morning, while he was sleeping? Did he wake up and think, wow … ageless.

Karson laughed at my expression, placing a hand on my shoulder. It’s just a final stage. No show of lights, no spark, no tingle of anything but your Bond humming a morning song of birth and Bond. Karson sounded like he relived his yesterday not eighty-five years ago.

Oh. The disappointment was there and La’Kera snorted.

I’ve not seen Brow’Dur glow, and he has hummed no song.

Maybe he will later on, I offered and blinked at Karson who frowned at the thunder from above. The storm had threatened for the past hour and still claimed it was on its way.

Come on. Let’s head indoors. That storm is going to hinder the rest of the day anyway.

So. You’ll help me go to the kitchen then.

Alright. I’ll help. And may I ask, what are you intending to do with the cake.

Oh, Corbin sorted it all out. He organised a surprise party after midday. You will come … right. And Tora. Please. He misses his mum more than he realises, and it’s nice to have a family. And you’ll be nice to him right. No glaring or chin lifting.

We don’t chin lift.

Yeah, you do. Both of you do it. It’s really weird … so. Will you come? I bit my lip in anticipation.

Karson heaved a breath as we entered in the lobby. He glanced around the museum floor, and just as he was about to answer, who should walk in just on the downpour—

Connor! You’re here, I beamed wide.

Sorry I’m late. Had to navigate a crowd of Royals … and Brow’Dur is humming endlessly this morning.

I half faulted on my smile to beam wider. I know why. Happy birthday. I didn’t waste another thought, wrapping my arms around him, wanting to kiss him, but paused. Connor respected my actions, with a peck on the cheek. I didn’t like kissing Connor around people, especially Karson.

I’ll see you at eight-thirty, said Karson, watching us idly.

Sure. I nodded, half hiding my secret smile of what was happening.

Eight-thirty? Connor questioned. But it’s Rest Day. You said she was free. I had plans made.

You did? I stared at Connor. Why didn’t you tell me?

I wanted to surprise you. Karson? You told me last week, she was free. All day. What changed?

I bit my lip. Crap. This was not what I was anticipating. I want to make you a cake, please. But what did he plan? He planned to do something with me on his birthday. Were we going somewhere?

Karson must have had the same idea. And asked: Where were you going?

That’s a surprise. He was annoyed to speak of it. But if you must know, Lady Darcia gave me clearance to take Rehema on Brow’Dur.

You mean fly … on a dragon? I was shocked. I can do that … with you?

Yes. His short answer held steam. He grimaced to take in Karson with a glare.

It’s storming outside, Connor. Didn’t you notice? Karson added the extra gruff in his voice. He wasn’t even trying to play mean; it came natural.

Well, I was going to wait until it cleared. Connor rolled his eyes with anger. Why would you say yes, and then change your mind?

Karson turned to me with a puzzled expression. I had asked Karson to lie and now he wasn’t sure if he should continue it. I want to make the cake. And the storms here like Karson said. There is plenty of time later, right.

Maybe … I can have a half day. I could go this afternoon. I peeked at Karson, hoping he read my desire. I would love to go for a ride on Brow’Dur, but I want to make a cake for Connor.

Karson nodded. If the weather clears, then I will allow it. A half day. But morning class is as normal. He headed towards the exit. Oh, and Connor. Next time you make such big plans … run them by me first. Not just Lady Darcia.

Connor and Karson both lifted their chins in goodbye.

I heaved deep with Karson out of sight.

I’m so sorry, Connor. I was looking forward to today, and then … the storm came over.

Forget about it. It’s fine. He relaxed.

No. It’s not fine. I want to make you happy. It’s your birthday. Did you feel anything special?

I did. He arched a brow. When I thought of coming here to do this … All anger of his disappointment had vanished. He cupped my face, leaning closer. His lips touched mine, slowly moving to widen and kiss deeper. To have his tongue slip into my mouth, making me hum on the idea of kissing him longer and more passionately than I had kissed anyone before. As I melted into his touch, my fingers teased at his hairline and wrapped around his neck to embrace him tighter. Hmm … that’s pretty much how it felt.

It took me seconds to realise he was talking about being a year older, ageless forever.

Umm … so you didn’t glow?

Connor laughed just as Karson had. Only Connor, able to kiss me and tap my nose playfully; nestled his face into my neck, picking me up and spinning me around, made the laugh much more thrilling.

Oh, my Rare Diamond. You are my light.

It’s what La’Kera was telling me about and she hasn’t taken her eyes off Brow’Dur.

You need not worry. I glow because you are here. Nothing more. He planted me on the ground, to kiss me stronger. Oh, you’re so sweet in the mornings. Wish I could have you all day. Can’t keep you waiting. So … off to the shower and I’ll meet you at the Dinner Hall. I’m pleased he gave us half a day at least.

Mmmm … you’re telling me. I sucked in my lip, hating the lie I was telling, even if it was with good intentions. He will forgive me, won’t he?

If he hates you for such a strange dangorian tradition, then I will have to snarl at him for you. La’Kera teased. She was baffled as always with me wanting to bake a cake, among many other issues.

I didn’t see the problem. To bake a cake was the best way to celebrate a day of one’s age, and Connor’s was even more important than all the birthdays I had. He was more important to me at this moment. The other side to all this was, I actually missed cooking my own meals; and baking was always a fun way of thinking.

Chapter 2

Quick! Tora flashed inside, closing the door silently. He’s coming. Everyone hide.

My heart thrilled with the idea. I glanced at the table of snacks, drinks, presents, and guests all stationed around the small room; lowering themselves behind something. The room was prepared with a banner hanging above the snack table, which was decorated and ready to burst with magic upon Connor’s entrance, in the infirmary tower of all the private places. Corbin pulled me down to his level, crouching behind the sofa.

You should have let me get him, Rehema. His whisper was full of caution. For all we know him and Karson are in a fight.

They wouldn’t, would they? My eyes widen, he held up his hand stilling any more words. Voices’ outside the party room drifted towards us.

How bad is it?

Bad. Karson was clearly telling a lie to get him here.

I don’t understand. Why would she lock herself up here? Why not down in the other rooms.

Well … she awoke, and saw the devastation to her face, she ran off. I couldn’t reason with her Connor. You’re going to have to talk her out.

I bit my lip with the lie that Karson was telling him.

I wouldn’t let any harm come to her. Why didn’t you pay attention to the ingredients? She’s lucky to be alive with the potion you asked her to make.

I didn’t do anything but offer her a challenge. You know, Rehema.

She’ll do anything to prove she’s capable. The words were soft, a whisper.

Told you to let me go, hissed Corbin in my ear.

I nodded. What had I done? What kind of lie was Karson telling him?

Here it is Connor. The handle of the door jiggled. The silhouettes of shadows danced along the floor. She’s not well, but only you can help her now. The flash of lightning outside didn’t help the darkness of the room, nor the thunder that made this moment twice as devastating for him.

I’m ready. Open it.

The door swung open, as soon as Connor stepped through, I leaped in the air, along with everyone else. Eight Ryders in total, called out—Surprise! As streamers, balloons of crape and hundreds of showering mânã sparks, fizzed and popped, welcoming Connor inside, with a Happy Birthday greeting.

Connor was officially surprised.

His face went from concern, worry to instant fright; and then, absolute amusement. What … the?

Hey, I called.

Rehema? You’re okay. His arms wrapped around me as Karson entered inside with a sheepish look.

Course. Why wouldn’t I be?

But … this …? I mean …? He turned around to take in the table of snacks, the cheering group of Ryders, and then, Karson. He told me you blew up a Comet potion.

A what? My face fell.

Karson laughed. She isn’t even ready for the basic toad potion, Connor. Do you think I would allow her near something that dangerous? Karson laid his hand on Connor’s shoulder, fatherly. Happy birthday.

Connor lowered his eyes to the hand and nodded, a moment at most, before the look showed, which had Karson awkwardly drop his hand away.

Yes. Happy birthday, I added with haste, and others joined in. You like? I wanted to surprise you. And I’m so sorry about this morning. I had to make sure I had enough time to get everything sorted out. I stepped to his side, to show him the room as Ryders clasped him on the shoulder, with nods and smiles. I was going to get you, but Corbin said I was dressed too nicely; and that it’d look obvious.

Nicely? Corbin snorted. You are gorgeous as always, Rehema. That green dress makes your eyes a dazzle of colour. Don’t you agree, Connor?

It was only now that Connor did take in my clothes, he gazed me up and down, from head to toe with a widening of his eyes, a press of his lips and a smile to beam.

Beautiful. You’re beautiful. He pulled me to his embrace to kiss me tenderly.

I blushed, wanting to melt to his kiss and affection, but with so many witnesses, I pulled away.

You planned all this? He took in the group around him, and then the table of wines, snacks and all things a birthday party has—presents. Is that carrot cake?

Yep. I know it’s your favourite, and I know I’m not supposed to give it as a birthday cake. You should have seen the mess I made in the kitchen, and the argument I had with the elves to let me do it regardless.

You made a cake? Connor was stunned.

I lifted my heel and kissed his cheek. Happy twenty-fifth, I whispered shyly.

He wrapped his around me, tucking me to his side; and turned his eyes to those who had come.

Tora stepped closer; she presented a wrapped parcel, with a soft press of her cheek on his. My boy. Oh, you have grown.

Thanks … mum. A shyness lingered in his cheeks and eyes; both of them smiled secretly at one another. I was about to step away, to let him go and mingle with his friends, but he held me tighter. Oh, no. You are staying right at my side.

But they’re your friends.

And you’re my girl. He winked to turn his attention to the group. I knew three of the Ryders in this room, the other five were strangers. Four men, one woman. Most were of Em’Adels, the woman was of A’Mystians, and she was ever so shy in coming. The four Ryders slapped Connor on the shoulder with a lean into their chest, manly and comforting as they handed him gifts. Bottles of wine, boots with tread, tinted goggles, and I was surprised, Karson gave him a cloak.

It’s wind proof. His comment was short, since he was rebuffed from earlier; their disagreement hadn’t been fixed, even if for a moment it looked like Connor was pleased to know I wasn’t harmed in the exploding comet potion, which I soon discovered was a level nine. I was still at a three.

The music from the enchanted harp played endlessly as I stayed to Connor’s side, sipping the juice of cranberry, a flavour I had missed since leaving Plumridge. I watched as Connor and two other Ryders talked about the recent battle in the north, glancing to see Karson with Tora, both in a quiet discussion; though, it looked heated and Corbin; ever the partier, was shifting among the groups, to walk towards me.

Oh, Rehema, you have yet to give Connor your present.

Oh. It’s … nothing. I was instantly bashful.

Connor shifted his arm to look at me square on. You got me a present on top of making a cake?

Oh, sort of. I made it in mânã art … I dropped my gaze.

Show me it. I want to see.

Um … I sucked my lip in, scanned the room; wanting to be anywhere but here.

He touched my chin, tracing his fingers along my jaw, to lock a loose strand behind my ear. I shivered at his touch; the electric current was always welcoming. Taking in his brown eyes, his smile was idle. Please. I won’t laugh.

No. But the others might. I heaved a deep breath and having to move away from him, I retrieved the wrapped orb. I noticed he hadn’t opened Tora’s gift either and that annoyed me. Why must I have my present presented here? I wanted to give it to him later, once I realised it was going to be an open gift session.

Here. I handed it to him.

He weighed the package in his hand, taking in the shape and the hard texture underneath with a half knowing smile. The two Ryders stood behind him as he flipped the wrapping open and came to see the bramble weed.

An Em’Adels Ryder slapped him on the shoulder and mocked. Just what you need, Connor. More earth.

My cheeks flushed. It’s not just earth, I defended my present.

Connor turned the orb around with a wider smile. It’s perfect. He handed it to the Ryder. See. Glass and bramble Wallace. You can’t achieve that.

But that’s … He was frowning at the present, That’s not possible at six months. Connor stood and wrapped his arms around me, with his brow on mine.

It is with Rehema. Everything is possible with her. It’s perfect. Thank you. His hand cupped my face, as he leaned slowly downwards to kiss me bolder, stronger and I wanted desperately to melt to his kiss, to feel his passion. The cough to my right had me pull away by inches; I didn’t stop staring up at him. His autumn brown eyes drinking me in with warmth.

Glad you like it. And your party.

I love it. He pecked my lips, to turn and face the crowd. He plucked the bramble orb from the Ryder and nodded to it with admiration. Thank you all for coming, it means a lot to me and I don’t know any other way a man should celebrate his twenty-fifth, but with those he loves. He nodded and laughed, kissing my cheek. My Bond is most annoyed we had to hold it in this tiny room … Several others laughed at that comment.

La’Kera snorted with my thoughts. The room was acceptable, what was the problem. Talking to the green bull, she un-puzzled what he meant. There was no room for him and he wanted to stand next to Connor as I was.

Was he jealous?

He isn’t, La’Kera informed me, he’s happy for his Bond as I am for you. He just wanted to be beside him for this celebration.

The party moved along smoothly. The cake was presented and Connor excitedly cut into it. Taking first bite; he licked the icing from his finger and kissed me, adding, Perfect. To my cake cooking skills. I slowly relaxed, as the party continued for another hour. Karson and Tora had to leave, along with Corbin and several other Ryders. The shy girl had barely whispered a happy birthday to Connor, spoke with Karson and Corbin, but remained distant. It was when I reached for the used plates, stacking them on one another that she came up beside me.

I’ve never seen him so happy before, she said timidly. I took in the small A’Mystian with wonder. She was younger than him. You make him happy. Take it from me, don’t break his heart.

I blinked; shocked by her words. Break his heart? Not possible.

The stare of her eyes were warning. I did that once and I regret letting him go.

I opened my mouth to close it. She smiled shyly and turned away before I could say anything. That was … who was that? A Ryder of A’Mystians. I stared after her, trying to place her. Black hair, blue eyes with flecks of green. She was shorter than me by an inch; Connor had spoken to her several times throughout the afternoon, but not once did he hint that she was his ex; Oh, my.

Connor?

Hmmm … Rehema. You don’t need to clean up. He was in the midst of placing the last wine bottle away when he glanced up to see my hands were full with dishes. Let the house elves do that.

Oh, it’s just habit.

That I’m sure it is. But you fair Ryder, will never need to clean again. We are warriors and as a warrior, we relax.

Don’t we hunt the delgori and vipers first?

Oh, yes. But once that is done, we relax. He snuggled into the nape of my neck. Oh, I could relax right here, all day too. So … you’re free for the afternoon right?

That I am. I wanted to ask you … that A’Mystian Ryder … who was she?

Oh, that’s Leah.

He lowered his gaze, exhaling. He didn’t want to talk about her. Why do you ask?

Um … she … I blushed.

His brow creased, dipping his head a little to make his eyes level with mine.

You can tell me anything.

Well. She said she broke your heart.

Oh. Connor lifted his chin. He touched my brow, tracing my hairline to my collarbone with the tip of his index. That was a long time ago. She … She is being modest. It was possibly a mutual agreement. He paused, taking in my expression. She was special to me once, but I don’t see her like that, not anymore and not for a long time … I don’t see any of them, just you.

I smiled as he leaned closer, this time there was no one around. His hand on my cheek, his thumb teased my mouth as he tilted my head. To have his mouth on mine, to feel the fullness of his lips as we both leaned in.

Sorry you two … I forgot my cloak. The Em’Adels Ryder had knocked and entered just as I was about to give a really good kiss to Connor.

I pulled away, instantly finding something to do as the Ryder stepped inside to retrieve his cloak. I picked up Connor’s unwrapped present mildly aware of the awkward moment.

Bye. The Ryder was gone before Connor said anything, though a deep stare of his autumn eyes didn’t go unnoticed.

Why didn’t you open this?

Oh, that … it’s a family heirloom. Tora told me about it when I was young, so … I didn’t want to get it ruined.

But you didn’t open it.

Here … He flicked his fingers, untied the cloth and revealed a beaded banner, a good arm’s length, wider in the middle to thin at the ends. The beads were a cluster of colours, joining to make Dalton. With the Siegel of the stag running along the main length. It was impressive, and pretty to look at. See. It’s not for wearing, it’s for display.

Hmm … like my present.

Yes. Like yours. And I know exactly where to put your present. He pulled me into his arms, shifting his hands around my hips to rest comfortably on either side. Leaning in, I pressed my lips to his, widening the kiss.

The door opening had us both groan