I woke to gentle kisses being pressed along my jaw, different from yesterday’s wake-up call. These were messy trails of kisses that stirred need in my belly, wanting to pull him on top of me. Majesty.
“Morning, beautiful,” he murmured against my skin. “Time to get up.”
I blinked my eyes open to find him already dressed in jeans and a thick sweater. Beyond the window, I could see snow falling heavily, blanketing everything in white.
“It’s snowing,” I said, still groggy.
“Has been since 4 a.m. Pretty bad too.” He pressed another kiss to my temple. “Which means I had to change our plans. But I promise you’ll still have a good day.”
“Where’s Lex?”
“Early meeting with Derek about what classes to add to the spring schedule. He’ll be tied up most of the day.” Majesty pulled back the covers. “Come on. Get dressed warm. We’re going to brave the snow for breakfast.”
Thirty minutes later, bundled in jeans, a thick sweater, and my winter coat, I followed Majesty out into the snow. It wascoming down in thick, heavy flakes, already several inches deep on the ground.
“This is beautiful,” I said, catching snowflakes on my tongue.
“It is. Also dangerous if you’re not careful.” He took my hand, keeping me steady as we made our way to the cafe.
Inside was warm and cozy, the windows already fogged from the heat. The smell of coffee and bacon made my stomach growl immediately. Several tables were occupied despite the early hour and the weather.
We were being seated when I spotted familiar faces. Reese and Arlo sat at a corner table, heads bent together in quiet conversation.
“Majesty,” I said, tugging on his sleeve. “Can we go say hi to Reese and Arlo?”
He smiled. “Of course. Lead the way.”
We detoured to their table, and Reese looked up with a warm smile. “Cami! How are you?”
“Good! Really good.” Before I addressed Arlo, I turned to Majesty. He nodded and I smiled warmly. “Hello, Master Arlo.”
“Hey, lil’ lady. How’s everything coming?”
“Really well, hopefully this week I’ll be able to get more lessons depending on the weather and if you have time.”
“Definitely. Once the snow clears,” Arlo responded.
We chatted for a few minutes about horses and the weather before Reese gestured to the window. “Looks like it’s going to be a heavy one. You two be careful out there.”
“We will,” Majesty promised.
As we turned to head to our own table, I noticed Iris sitting with her two men across the cafe. She looked miserable, her shoulders hunched, her eyes red like she’d been crying. The men were talking to each other, completely ignoring her.
“Majesty,” I said quietly. “Can I go over and talk to Iris? She looks upset.”
He followed my gaze and his expression hardened slightly. “Not alone. But I’ll take you over.”
We approached the table, and Majesty addressed the two men directly. “Excuse me. Would it be alright if Cami spoke with Iris for a moment?”
The men looked almost relieved. “Sure, yeah. Take her,” one of them said dismissively.
Majesty’s jaw tightened, but he kept his voice even. “Iris, would you like to join us at our table?”
She looked up, tears brimming in her eyes, and nodded. “Please.”
She stood and followed us back to our booth, sliding in beside me. Majesty flagged down Julie. “Julie, can I get my order in now? And whatever Iris wants is on me.”
“Of course, Majesty.” Julie pulled out her notepad.
