She returned to his mouth, a desperate, wild hunger taking over.
“Sera—”
She paused again, pressing her forehead into his. Breathing for a moment.
“Fine. I guess you’re right. We should find Seth,” she agreed, though he didn’t release her. “I may have a stop or two I need to make once we do. Is that okay?”
“Whatever you need, Sera. I’m at your command.”
Want surged through her body.
“How am I supposed to control myself when you say things like that?” She nuzzled his neck, resisting the temptation to start kissing him again with the barest thread of restraint. “You’re right. We should get Seth. But… I just have one quick question that’s been bothering me.”
He smiled and her heart flipped, her body grew warm, her soul answered.
“Do you, by any chance, play the piano?” she asked.
His brow creased at her question, obviously not what he anticipated. “I was required to take lessons as a child. I can play, I suppose, but it was no passion and I fear I’m woefully out of practice.”
Fuck yes. Her body cheered. Electric shivers danced on her skin.She knew it.
“Why do you ask?”
“Nothing. Just… maybe sometime you can play for me?” She sucked her lip between her teeth. “Once, just to hear you play. And then maybe once more, to see if you can manage not to miss a note with me on your lap.” She followed the words with a soft kiss against his jaw. His grip on her tightened.
“Hardly fair to accuse me of seduction when you blatantly ignore your own suggestion.”
She grinned.
“Pardon the interruption.”
Kieran twisted instantly, moving her behind him in a fluid motion. His fatigue appeared to improve with the glacite and a decreased proximity to iron. Sera peeked out from his shoulder, but she knew that grating tone of voice.
“Wraith.” Sera stepped forward, motioning to Kieran that it was okay when he attempted to stop her. She continued, “I’m sorry about the mess.”
He smiled. “I can clean messes. It seems I need to thank you once again, Sera Blair.”
She hesitated. “I just wanted Cole gone.”
He laughed. “From the look of it, you ensured that much. But Cole caused a lot of destruction and cost a lot of lives today. You ended the threat. Consider me in your debt, Miss Blair.”
Her breath caught.What?
“Your friend found shelter just up the road. Till next time.” He tipped the brim of his newsboy cap toward her and then disappeared back toward the aftermath of Cole’s final stand.
Sera’s limbs started to tremble, but Kieran’s hand in hers steadied her.
Right.
It was time to find Seth.
Get through the next two necessary confrontations.
Then maybe savor some well-earned indulgence.
Chapter Sixteen
Seraputdownthehand mirror and face powder, stowing them on the seat as the carriage headed for Watchmen Headquarters. Their first stop had been to a small shop where Sera could purchase some powder for her face. Kieran had watched her cover the marks along her jaw with narrowed eyes and an ominous cloud seemed to emanate from his corner of the carriage. Seth had huddled as far into the corner as he could.
