Laurie shrugged one shoulder and pointed at himself. “Vampire. We have a reputation to uphold.”
Joseph rolled his eyes, but before he could reply, movement at the top of the stairs garnered his attention.
Yesenia, Nora, and Meadow descended the stairs in a row—their outfits for the night were more flowing, like fae witch dresses of old—but Joseph’s attention was fixated solely on Meadow.
She wore a dark blue dress. The sleeves were wisps of fabric that went to about her elbows, and the bodice hugged her breasts before loosely draping down her lush body, also with a multitude of fabric strips. Her face paint was gold, as were the decorations woven through her hair. Since her hair was pulled back, her pointed ears were on full display, made more noticeable by the cuffs of gold around the sides.
The latter were gifts from him and Laurie, and seeing her wearing them sent a rush of satisfaction and desire through him.
She kept her eyes downcast, though, and Joseph wanted to rush up the stairs, lift her chin, and tell her how bloody beautiful she was before kissing her senseless.
Then she finally met his gaze, and her eyes widened. Good. She’d seen how much he wanted her, and hopefully how gorgeous she was to him.
Her eyes moved to Laurie, and her cheeks turned even pinker. Joseph should look at Laurie’s face to judge his reaction, but he couldn’t tear his eyes from Meadow. The little wisps of fabric bounced and fluttered, drawing attention to her breasts. Ones he wouldn’t mind taking out and sucking, until she moaned and begged for more.
Stop it, Joseph. No erections tonight, remember? Scaring the fae witches would be a bad thing.
When the three females finally reached the bottom of the staircase, each of the males went to their respective partner. Joseph managed to speak before Laurie did. “You’re going to be the most beautiful female there tonight, love.”
She replied, “You don’t have to flatter me.”
“It’s not flattery. You’re stunning.”
Laurie jumped in. “He’s right. I want you to eventually sit for a portrait wearing exactly this costume. You’re like something out of a fantasy, pet.”
She glanced between them before finally murmuring, “Thank you. And you both aren’t too shabby yourselves.”
Laurie stood taller. “Do we look like fae witch princes?”
She laughed. “I’m not sure what one looks like, but you’re definitely two sexy princes. Or, maybe kings is the better term since the word prince is too childish for either of you.”
Joseph smiled, took her hand, and kissed the back of it. “Then you are our queen tonight.”
Laurie took her other hand, kissed it, and added, “Whatever you wish, we’ll grant it.”
Judging by the flash of heat in Meadow’s eyes, she hadn’t missed Laurie’s invitation. Joseph was about to whisper something to turn her cheeks fully red when River cleared his throat. Loudly. “If you’re done drooling over my sister, can we go?”
He and Laurie each turned and threaded one of Meadow’s arms through each of theirs. Laurie spoke up. “We had to stomach you fawning over Nora, so you can handle our wooing of Meadow.”
Nora smiled. “I, for one, am happy to see you fawn over Meadow, and she over you two.”
River grumbled, but a look from Nora quieted him.
Leo took out his pocket watch again. “We need to leave. I don’t want to be late for my first public appearance in the fae witch territory. I’ve met Khan in private, but I don’t want the fae witches’ first impression of me to be tardiness.”
Yesenia leaned against him a little. “Yes, okay, Leo. Our carriage is out front, so let’s go.”
They all exited River’s house, and Joseph surveyed the outside, instantly spotting the discreet guards they’d brought along. Only because he knew to look for them could he see them in the shadows.
Once inside the carriage, with Meadow sitting on one bench and Laurie and Joseph on the other, she finally spoke up. “I know you’re both worried, but let’s try to have fun tonight, okay? Being in a large crowd will be hard enough for me as it is.”
Joseph leaned over and took her hand. “I’m sorry, Emmy. Rationally, I know trigger traps and protection wards are extremely powerful. And yet, this is my first time publicly out and about in the fae witch territory. Unlike in my home territory, I don’t know all the nooks and crannies people could use to hide in and attack us.”
She squeezed his hand in hers. “River took me on a tour of the area before they set up the stalls, stage, and dance floor. It’s an open space, with the stalls mostly sitting in front of the shop fronts and homes. Since most of the homes are terraced, there isn’t much space between them. Plus, I can protect us all, if it comes to it. I’ve used my magic to save myself before, and I can do it again.”
Seeing her so much more confident made Joseph’s heart warm. “Then I’ll try my best to enjoy the night.”
She beamed at him, and Joseph itched to haul her into his lap.
