A soft gasp escaped my lips, as Xavier layered my hand in kisses. On the other side, I felt Damien brushing over my hand, making me look at him.
“Do you want some tea, my love?” I gazed at Malakai, who was holding the brewing teapot in his hand, waiting for my answer.
How could this man have spent so much time alone and in this miserable state, and now was thinking of serving me. Malakai was so selfless…
“Be careful brother, you’re going to make Gwendolyn tear up,” Damien said amused.
Malakai grinned as he poured me a cup, causing me to blush even more.
“Take a seat,my little Mad Hatter,” Xavier said, adjusting the chair for me so I could take my place. Just like the teapot, there were cups in the forms of sugared roses that kind of reminded me of the faerie houses.
It truly seemed like this portal had created my own sort of escape. It was like my inner self knew it was whole with Malakai being there… and now I was surrounded by my home.Them.
Malakai’s wings brushed against my back, as if he wanted to make sure I was real just as much as I needed to reassure myself, I wasn’t dreaming. My angel was here in the flesh, and I could touch his skin.
The tea in my rose cup shimmered faintly, steam curling upward in the softest scent of peach and vanilla, even some flower petals were swimming inside the liquid.
My gaze drifted toward the cake on the table which had twotiers, adorned with red and purple icing shaped like roses and garlands. Glossy cherries crowned the cake like jewels.
“Oh, I see what you are truly after.” Xavier chuckled, standing up and grabbing the cake server. “Should I be jealous that your eyes are more drawn to the cake than me?” He leaned in, his lips brushing my ear. “Or will it make you hungrier for something later?”
My eyes widened, my face blushing a red that even the face full of makeup could not hide.
He chuckled at my reaction as he sliced into the cake. “I just mean… how beautiful your eyes light up when you see pastries… it is enchanting.” He placed a generous slice on my plate and handed it to me. “Like a small girl in a candy story.” Xavier leaned down and brushed his lips against my temple, his lips lingering there a heartbeat too long. Then, with a mischievous grin, he took the oversized hat from head.
“Hey…!” I protested, laughing.
He perched the hat on his head, cocking it to one side like a crown. “What? It suits me. Besides, someone has to take the mantle now that our little Mad Hatter is distracted by cake.”
I couldn’t help the smile that went across my face as he winked at me.
“Well, then,” I said, lifting my fork with a mock formality.
“Take a bite now, my mesmerizing little Mad Hatter,” Xavier said, his tone shifting from amused to serious. “Before I eat it for you.”
“I know you wouldn’t dare,” I replied, taking a bite of the cake. The buttercream melted on my tongue, tasting like vanilla and raspberries.
As I savored the cake, I felt Damien’s gaze on me… piercing, intense. Why were they all affecting me so much?
It was always like he blocked everyone else out, his eyes solely focusing on me.
And I knew that when you’re able to bond with the man you’re mated with, you are able to sense his thoughts and emotions. Otherwise, I would have missed Xavier’s dirty thoughts about me in the costume.
But when my eyes turned to Malakai, a hush fell inside me. He looked like he wasn’t so sure if he belonged here, his slender fingers holding his teacup, wings tucked closer together. His white hair and his velvety skin shimmered like silver dust; his corset cinched his waist over a glimmering, iridescent blouse. He looked like starlight bound in human form. He was almost too divine to touch. These were the same thoughts going through my head when I first saw him, how otherworldly beautiful he was. I’d give anything to know what he was thinking, to understand what he was feeling. Trapped for so long, only to be flung into a little place of madness, pastries and costumes.
“I think your costume is Gwendolyn’s favorite.” Damien chuckled with an amused grin. My eyes darted to him, with the makeup resembling the grinning cat it came off as malicious.
“You have a thing for bunny ears?” Malakai asked with a smile.
“Maybe.” My cheeks reddened as I looked back at him, my fingers itching to touch his beautiful face, but I didn’t move.
“Do you want to taste the cake? It is lovely. You must be hungry…” I didn’t finish the sentence, it was neither my wish to make him think of that place again, nor did I want to remind myself of it.
His eyes were quiet, questioning. I stood up and set a slice of cake on a plate. With the cherry frosting and the green-reddish roses, it was the prettiest slice. I sat beside him again, my eyes focused on the cake, as I took a fork and scooped off a small piece.
“Only a little bit, Malakai,” I whispered softly, still sensing his hesitation. But then his lips parted, and I gently fed him. He chewed slowly, his beautiful eyes not leaving mine.
“It tastes sweet… almost like freedom,” he said, his eyes getting watery. I smiled, my fingers catching the tear running down his face.
