The entire journey through the massive estate is filled with Valen and Lucas’ endless bickering. It’s the only way I can tell they’re keeping up with my fast pace.
“A lot of empty rooms within such a large estate. What happened? No one can stand you long enough to live here?” Lucas quips.
Valen drawls his retort. “I suppose most things seem numerous if you’re limited to counting on your fingers.”
“A stupid magician joke. So clever. I can see why Tori stayed with you.”
My heart clenches and I increase my pace. Valen laughs low and cruel. “Yes, she does keep returning to me. I am rather good at giving her what she needs.”
“Igive her what she needs,” Lucas snaps and I nearly groan.
“Do you? She seemed rather pent-up when she was writhing under me earlier.”
“She was pretending, asshole, to keep me safe.”
“Oh no, I mean, just now in her room?—”
I yell loud enough to cut off Valen and drown out Lucas’ snarl, “We’re here!” And kick open the massive library doors.
The Bauers’ main library is a sight to behold. The main foyer is like a tall tower that exposes the four stories of stacks of books with a glittering gilded railing. Each floor has its own arching, spiral staircases in polished marble, the ends of whichare marked with statues of different magical creatures. The stacks on each floor are taller than even my own shop’s, giving the visitor an awe-filled shadowing effect. It’s where I got the inspiration for my maze. I breathe in the papery scent, ancient magic tingling my senses.
My heart soars and my smile turns genuine. It’s been so long since I’ve been in this masterpiece.
I tuck my skirt’s edge into my belt to keep the hemline above my ankles. My right thigh is scandalously exposed with each step, but at least I’m no longer tripping over it. I trot through the mosaic foyer and spin with the wave of euphoria that surges within my chest. I laugh softly, the skirts tangling my legs for a moment before releasing, “Oh fuck, I’ve missed this place.”
I could flex my power and summon the books like I do with my shop, but Jinx would warn me to conserve my energy; I’m inclined to agree. Besides, running through the stacks, my fingers tingling with the magic of such powerful texts is exactly what I need after such a long week.
My cheeks hurt from my smile and I turn to call back to the two men still in the entryway, “Come on! Time is of the essence.”
Valen’s gaze is soft, a small smile curling his lips as he watches me with his hands in his pockets. I tuck an escaped strand of hair behind my ear, dropping my gaze with a flush, before flicking my eyes to Lucas. He smiles, his joy compounding with my own. I draw in an elated breath and my smile widens. I hold my hand out to him. “What’s wrong? The great thief of Delornia overwhelmed by such a place?”
He laughs and crosses the foyer to me. “Fuck, no. I’m just marveling at you in a dress.”
He scoops me up in his arms and I squeal laughter when he spins me, my skirts fluttering around us. My arms tighten around his neck. “Stop! I’ll get dizzy.”
“Like you’re not already dizzy from the raging hard-on you have for this place.”
I smack him before tilting my head back and stretching my arms out. I let my eyes close to better enjoy this fleeting moment of delight. All the worries and stresses of the world evaporate away and I can breathe freely for the first time in days.
All too soon, Lucas comes to a stop and swivels on his heel to look around. “Alright, which way?”
“Put me down. I can walk,” I laugh.
“Nope! I’ve caught you, so I get you.”
I scream when he tosses me over his shoulder. I clutch my chest to keep from spilling out of the tight corset. “Wait! I’m going to be tits out if you carry me like this.”
Cool fingers tickle under my chin and I look up. Valen’s lips are suddenly too close, his cologne flooding my senses. I exhale when he smirks, his lips tickling mine. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”
I tremble all over, my head tilting, but he steps by me to clap Lucas on the other shoulder. “Finally, a use for you. This way, magician. Do try to keep up. I’d hate for you to get lost and be eaten by a stray grimoire.”
My feet hit the ground and I clutch Lucas’ bicep to keep steady while my head spins. Lucas growls low for just me to hear, “Are you only attracted to assholes?”
Valen’s retort floats through the stack he entered, “Definitely not, or else she would’ve fucked you already.”
Lucas’ jaw drops and I roll my eyes. So much for an enjoyable library experience. “Can the two of you at least try to get along while we’re teamed up?”
They both answer in unison.
