Page 52 of These Fractured Bonds

Yareli’s eyes widened. The room’s temperature rose, and she thought she heard a crackle spark between the two. Bri blushed—the slight redness on her cheeks spread rapidly across her fair skin—but she didn’t shy away from Erick.

“And it was you who ran, because it wasthatgood.”

Erick opened his mouth, floundering for a response. Yareli couldn’t wrap her mind around the revelation—they had slept together before, multiple times in fact—so she missed when the door swung open. Leo’s voice boomed across the room.

“Folks, are we ready?”

She spun around, meeting his stare. His broad grin faltered, and heat rushed to her cheeks as he looked her up and down.

Erick kicked her foot, whispering, “Temptress, remember?”

She straightened her shoulders, smiling. “Erick and Bri aren’t ready yet. How about the two of us go, and they catch up with us later?”

Leo glanced at the two behind her, chuckling. “Sure. Let me cast a warming spell on you, because these two didn’t dress you for the weather.”

Yareli shrugged. “It’s not like you’re any better.”

Which was true. Leo was dressed in a simple sleeveless shirt and shorts. He winked.

“I run hot.”

“Clearly.” She walked up to him. “Let’s go.”

He looked taken aback at her forwardness, but he led her out of the room.

“Oh, before I forget.” Yareli stopped, turning to the two red-faced Fae in her room. “Take your ‘discussion’ outside my room. Please.”

She closed the door before they could respond. Leo had leaned against the wall, waiting.

“Are those two arguing again?”

“Is this not the first time?”

“Nope. Come on, let’s go before either the cabin is set on fire or we hear something we shouldn’t.”

He took her hand in his, and they ran down the stairs like children running from their parents. Laughter bubbled up her chest.This. This was how it was supposed to be between the two of them—all lighthearted and giggles. She squeezed his hand. Tonight would be fun; she’d make sure of it.

Chapter 19

Outsidethecabin,theatmosphere shifted, vibrating with energy. Loud laughter and music spilled from the village center—the obvious marker of a good party.

“What’s the festival like?” she asked Leo.

“Wait and see.” He tugged on her hand, picking up their pace.

“Hold on,” she exclaimed. “My ears!”

In all the hubbub, they had forgotten a very vital piece of her disguise—Yareli’s ears. Thankfully, her hair had covered them up until now, but she doubted it would hold in a crowd. Leopaused, and without missing a beat, he materialized a wool hat. She stared at it; the red was far too bright for her blue outfit.

“Interesting color.”

“It’s my favorite,” he replied.

He placed it on her head, but his hands lingered, and she stilled. His soft breath landed on her cheeks like a butterfly’s kiss. He bit his bottom lip. His perfect, full pair of lips, as though crafted by an artist’s careful strokes, beckoned her. She placed her hand on his chest, shivering at his heat. His pupils dilated, and he leaned closer.

And tugged the hat over her eyes.

“I like how red looks on you,” he said, taking her hand. He tugged her along again, and she followed, dejected.