Page 17

I knew we'd see each other at work on Monday.

I could have spoken my name and watched her reconsider. Instead, I bent and kissed the corner of her mouth.

"Then I suppose we'd better go upstairs."

We returned through the reception room, moving toward the quieter corridor that connected with the hotel's elevators. The music swelled as someone opened the ballroom doors, and a burst of laughter followed us into the hall.

Everly stopped beside a polished console table beneath an old oil portrait.

"I need to send my friend a message first. We came together, and she'll worry if she can't find me."

"Take your time."

She retrieved her phone from her little gold bag and looked up.

"Would you give me your suite number? I'd like her to know where I'll be."

I gave it to her.

She typed quickly, pausing once to glance toward the ballroom before finishing the message.

EVERLY: I'm going upstairs with the man with the black wings. Suite 814. I'm fine, and I'll text you before I leave.

The reply came almost immediately.

TARYN: Have a wonderful time! And yes, I expect details tomorrow. Text me when you leave.

Everly laughed as she read it.

"She's delighted with herself."

"Should I thank her?"

"Oh, don't encourage her. She'll take credit for the entire evening."

She slipped her phone back into her bag, then looked at me with a smile that made it difficult to remember the existence of anyone else in the hotel.

"All right. I'm ready."

I offered my hand.

She took it, and we continued toward the elevators.

Brass sconces lit the corridor, and dark-framed portraits watched us pass with the disapproval of men who'd surely detested half the things done in this hotel.

Everly's shoulder brushed my arm as we walked.

At the elevator, she glanced at the broad sweep of my wings, then at the polished doors.

"I'm beginning to understand why you wanted a suite here. Those would be a nightmare to get home in."

"I have arrangements."

"Of course you do." Her amused gaze moved over me. "You seem like a man who's thought of everything."

Not quite.

I'd planned for the usual masquerade, the pleasure of wearing my true form among humans, and a quiet suite where I could return to myself without needing to hide every feather.