She glances back at him again. “Really?”
“Yep. Just as soon as Tharios says I can.”
Her brows instantly lower.
“If you call me maddening again, I’ll throw you in the sea next time we’re in the heartlanding,” he warns.
With slow words, she says, “You. Are. Maddening.”
Their eyes meet for a moment, and there’s a challenge there as she gazes back at him. Then he looks away. “You know, I think my threat was poorly chosen. Let me try again. I’ll—”
Without warning, she pulls him into a kiss, and he almost chokes. What is she doing? They can’t do this here. Not in the real world.
Before he can pull away, the door opens. Stars above. There really is no privacy in this hotel.
“I’m not certain it’s safe to leave you two alone together.”
Rominy’s face burns as he sits up and turns toward Grandmera, who stands at the foot of the bed with her arms crossed, a dark look in her eyes.
Because that’s not mortifying. And terrifying. Mortifying and terrifying both.
“He started it,” Elowyn mutters.
“I started it? You’re the one who—”
“Looked at you and found you irresistible? You’re perfect and amazing, and I am so in love with you, and I am so tired of being ill. I just want to do normal things like drink coffee and kiss my binding partner. Especially with that scratchy beard of yours. I’m still trying to decide if I like it or not.”
Rominy glances at Grandmera before clearing his throat and looking back at Elowyn. “Maybe I shouldn’t have lain beside you like that.”
Then Elowyn’s smile reappears, and she sighs. “I am clearly the weakest of elves. Forgive me, my love. I’m in a mood.”
It’s probably best not to respond to that. At least not that last part.
“I love you, El.” That seems like a safe response.
“And I love you. Is that my book of fables?”
He reaches for it again. “I believe so. I asked Tharios for a book, and he gave me this. It would be more entertaining if I could read it, but the illustrations are nice.”
Elowyn stares at him for a moment before she bursts into laughter. “He must not have been thinking when hegave it to you. I’d offer to read it aloud, but my eyes are too tired.”
“How about I read it?” Grandmera offers as she holds out her hand, and Rominy gives the book to her. “That way, I can keep an eye on you.”
She narrows her eyes at them again, and Rominy resists a groan.
“Would you prefer Elvish, or shall I translate?” Grandmera asks as she lowers herself to the chair beside the bed.
“Perhaps if you read it slowly, I can try to follow?” Rominy suggests. “Maybe I’ll pick up some new words.”
Elowyn smiles up at him, and Grandmera nods as she opens the book to the first page and starts reading.
CeriangroansasArisanna’sfinger runs over his ear. He’s going to catch fire if she keeps doing that. How did they end up here, anyway, as he leans near her neck, drinking in the scent of her hair and pressing his lips to her sensitive flesh?
They really should head back downstairs. Rejoin the others.
Stop getting so distracted by each other.
He can’t bring himself to unwrap his vines from around her, though.
