Page 54 of Fallen Court

Her brows lifted as I tossed them to her. “That was optimistic of you.”

Nothing with Cate was ever easy. But I wasn’t about to give up, no matter how little time I had left to share with her. I would prove to her that everything between us was real, starting with the sock drawer.

Turning, I leaned on the armoire and slid my hands in my pockets. “By all means, go out there like that. I prefer knowing you have no underwear on. Makes it easier.”

She glared but slid on her panties. I moved out of the way so she could grab her own clothes, then took out fresh ones for myself.

We dressed silently, stealing glances at each other, half heated with lust and half teeming with wary energy until she groaned and marched into the bathroom. The door shut with an ominous click.

I was working on my tie when it opened again. When I turned toward her, words failed me.

“Ready,” she announced, raking fingers through her loose waves.

Every time I saw her, she was more beautiful, but this morning, she glowed. Her dark hair was swept up, revealing the slender curve of her neck. A faint blush colored her cheeks—the lingering proof that we’d done more than talk last night. But it was the determination shining in her brown eyes that made my heart swell with pride. Her steps faltered as she caught me staring, and she looked down, brushing a few lingering wrinkles from her sage-colored sheath.

“You’re perfect,” I said as she fussed. Her flush deepened as she lifted her gaze to meet mine. The mating bond strained between us, and I tore my attention away before I acted on it. “I’m ready, too.”

“Hold on.” She stopped me before I could turn the knob. She took a step closer, reaching up with tentative hands to adjust my tie. “There.”

I caught her wrist gently before she could turn away. “I love you.”

“How can you be sure when—”

“No,” I cut her off. I could give her space. Time. Almost anything she needed. But I refused to entertain doubts about that. “You can question my authority. You can question my decisions. You can even question our future, but you cannot question that. I love you.”

I would keep saying it whether or not she believed me, and somehow I would prove it to her.

Pulling Cate closer, I hooked an arm around her waist. It took everything in me not to press her against the door and kiss her senseless. Her throat slid, eyes darting to my mouth as if she was thinking the same thing.

“We should get out of here,” I said roughly.

She nodded, taking a step away from me, as if distance might soothe the electric need running between us.

We made it a few feet into the hallway before Ciara accosted us.

She threw her arms around Cate, who managed to stay upright and return the hug.

“She already got a hug. Why aren’t you this excited to see me?” I grumbled.

Ciara stuck her tongue out over Cate’s shoulder.

“You showed up beaten to a bloody pulp,” she reminded me. “I wasn’t about to reward your behavior.”

I rolled my eyes, but Cate looked between us, alarmed. “A bloody what? What happened?”

“Bain—” Ciara started.

“It’s not important,” I said quickly, but Ciara whispered the story to Cate, earning a fair share of alarmed gasps from my mate. I gave up and started toward the living room before the others came looking for us and joined in on the flagellations. My sister didn’t release her hold on Cate, clinging to her arm as she babbled about everything we’d missed in our absence. Finally, Ciara sighed happily. “I’m just so glad that you’re here.”

“Me too.” But it sounded like a pretty lie.

“You look tired. Been busy?” Ciara winked at her.

At least someone was enthusiastic about our relationship.

I checked my arm to make sure the mating bond was concealed. If Ciara spotted it, she wouldn’t keep her mouth shut, which might scare Cate further. Cate tracked the movement but didn’t say anything. The rest of the welcoming committee was more composed.

Roark nodded at Cate, and she smiled warmly at him, but it faltered as her gaze drifted to Fiona.