Page 137 of Reap & Sow

Eda pulled back and met his hazel eyes—so much like her own. “There’s no one else in the world I’d choose.”

“I suppose having a demon around is a rather prudent choice, if you really mean to go about destroying Gateways.” Lawrie frowned. “I still think it’s nutty. You’ve no business scouring the world for cursed mirrors. If there are more out there, there’ll be more Severin Lich types involved, mark my words.”

“I know. But if a couple of mortals like us can destroy two Gateways in as many days, so can Kit and I. It’s important, Lawrie. Demons have their world, and we have ours. As long as the two mix, lives will be destroyed by Pacts. I don’t want anyone else to suffer as our parents did. As we did.” She raised her chin. “I want to do this.”

Their expressions were grave, but she saw that they understood. “Don’t forget that I’m still relying on you as my supplier!” Lawrie said finally. “I know it’s just your cover, but you did always have an eye for a fine piece. I’ll expect you back here twice yearly in the capacity of my antiquarian merchant, with fresh product. You have to come home, see? Otherwise it’s just bad business.”

Eda didn’t miss his unsteady tone. She hugged him. “I haven’t forgotten, Mr. Shaw. Please don’t terminate my employment just yet.”

He cupped her head and pressed a kiss to her brow. “Be safe, Edie. We love you.”

Eda swallowed. “I love you too. So much.”

Lawrie covertly rubbed his eyes. “Keep something sharp on you around that scoundrel, though. In case he gets handsy.”

Ben nodded. “That’s right. If he ever makes you cry, get the silverware out and shove it up—”

“Thank you both for your sage advice.” Eda laughed. “Now might be time to remind you that he can hear us.”

They looked sharply toward the boat, where Kit was crouched petting Old Bastard. He tipped his fingers in a shit-eating salute.

“Saints, that gives me the shivers.”

They hugged again, and Eda finally made herself depart. She carried her little bags down the riverbank. Before she could take a single step onto the Oriana’s wide deck, Kit swooped toward her with deadly precision and scooped her up, bags and all. She shrieked. Then she was safely on board with his arms around her.

“Didn’t you hear what Lawrie said about being handsy? You’re asking for trouble.”

“Something about spoon-related violence, yes. I shall restrain myself before they descend with an entire cutlery drawer.”

Kit’s human form remained as devastatingly handsome as his demonic one. The slope of his jaw, the wry bow of his mouth. She couldn’t resist reaching up to brush aside his hair where it threatened to hide his glowing eyes. He tilted into her touch—a plant yearning toward the sun.

They’d hardly seen each other this past week, what with her back home and him here, seeing to Robin’s beloved barge. Since the Gateway shattered, Kit found it difficult to shift between forms. He was loath to leave her side, but his mortal form was taxing to maintain, and it appeared Severin Lich would not be immediately seeking revenge for his lost Gateway. When Ben reported to Tenelle to discuss his first day as a recruit, she’d shared that Lich had seemingly fled the city overnight. The crime lord must have smelled the way the wind was shifting, she said. Without a Gateway to keep the favor and protection of the upper-city nobles, he’d cut his losses. There were other cities to conquer.

Ben was to live in the Order’s barracks while he trained. Lawrie would keep the shop. Eda misliked the thought of Lich or any other scattered adversaries returning to Blackbridge and exacting revenge, but her brothers hardly needed her protection. Ben and Lawrie are trusting me to make my own way. I must do the same for them.

“Have you prepared for my coming?” she teased Kit. “Fluffed the cushions, aired the linen? I’ll be most disappointed if there isn’t a home-baked pie in there.”

“I’ve been preparing for your arrival, yes. As for your coming, we can certainly—”

“Stop it!” She covered his mouth. He kissed her palm, grinning. Kit scanned her face; always ravenous for her laughter, her smile. She tried to remain logical in lieu of taking him right there on the deck. “My brothers are watching. And Old Bastard.” She crouched down to pet the ornery cat, who sniffed her hand before permitting the familiarity.

“Lady Eda!” Tripp came scurrying onto the deck. He shoved Old Bastard aside and earned a yowl for his rudeness. “My lady, Tripp has overseen the cleaning of the human water vessel. Sire is not domestic in his housekeeping—as befits his great station, you understand—so Tripp lent his lowly guidance. It will suffice as a temporary abode, methinks. At least until His Lordship sees fit to return to the family seat.”

“We’ve been over this, Tripp.” Kit’s glare was withering. “I’ve no intention of going back.”

“Oh, you must take Her Ladyship with you, of course! Though I daresay it will cause quite the stir among the courts. But what can they do? Nothing! You are Archduke Ansellis, sole heir of House Ansellis—”

“Tripp.”

“M’lord?”

“Your visit has reached its natural conclusion. You may return in a few weeks, if you like. Or months.”

“Sire! Such a long time?”

“Tragic, I know. You will be missed. Run along, now.”

“Goodbye, Tripp.” Eda squeezed his bony hand.