Page 20 of Eternal Devotion

“Are you embarrassed or cold, Mr. Elowen? Your cheeks are scarlet.”

He chuckled, his eyes crinkling. “A little of both, Mr. Ashenvale.”

“I think your game sounds fascinating.”

“You aren’t just saying that? My mother thinks I need to give up on the fantasy and supernatural and live in the real world.” He shrugged. “I like the escape. The real world is too… real.”

Something sad flashed in his eyes, and his mind seemed suddenly far away. “Some people read books or watch TV. I escape into games. Is that so wrong?”

“No. I think that’s sound reasoning.”

I didn’t understand it, but I didn’t have to. I got the sense our tour was over, but neither of us were quite sure how to end the night. Ensley hadn’t shown me any more than I’d seen on my solo trip around the city, so I was no further ahead in figuring out plausible locations for where I might find Iulian. It would require more questions on my part, but I was unprepared.

Whatever nostalgia had taken Ensley broke, and he blinked back to the present. “I can’t believe I’ve talked your ear off for hours.”

“It’s been a most pleasurable evening.”

“A ‘most pleasurable evening.’” He chuckled.

“You’re mocking me again.”

“No. You’re cute.”

It was my turn to look away. It was effortless. A little banter. Casual conversation. Smiles aplenty. Was it this easy for men today? I envied them.

“Can I offer you a drink, Mordecai?” Ensley motioned to a side door that I assumed led to his flat. “I’ll shut up for a change, and you can tell me about yourself.”

“There’s not much to tell.”

“I don’t believe that. Unless…” He shifted his weight. “Unless you’d rather I took you home.”

I glanced at the door, then along the street, pondering my choices. Solitude in the dreary mansion held no appeal, but the more time I spent with Ensley, the higher the risk of him sensing our differences. At the moment, he seemed focused on our similarities. Although flattered at the attention, I wasn’t sure how to proceed.

“There’s a coffee shop down the road, if you’d prefer,” he said. “Open twenty-four hours. We could warm up with hot cocoa or tea. I don’t drink coffee, but I’m told they make a mean latte.”

Despite all the reasons why I shouldn’t, I met Ensley’s hopeful gaze and couldn’t find the words to say no. “Lead the way.”

5

Ensley

Mordecai was utterly adorable. Perhaps a strange way to describe a grown man, but it was true. He was prim and proper in both speech and dress, like he’d fallen from another century. And he seemed constantly wrong-footed, as though struggling to keep up.

Wearing black from head to toe, with an elegant wool coat, a cut above anything I owned, I had barely been able to take my eyes off him. When the streetlights caught in his blond hair or kissed his pale cheeks, he radiated. His lips were the same deep burgundy color as his eyes. But it was the sharp eyetooth that peeked out on occasion when he smiled that undid me.

At the café, I insisted on getting our drinks. Mordecai didn’t protest, but I caught a wary edge to his gaze as he scanned the menu board above the counter. While I collected two hot cocoas, he chose a seat in a darker corner near a bay window and away from other patrons. The private table seemed intentional, and I dared to hope that Mordecai had read the intention behind my drink offer.

I slid the ceramic mug across the table, and he eyed it with a creased brow.

“It’s good. I swear.” I sat across from him, engaging his attention and earning a soft smile.

Mordecai wrapped his hands around the mug and pulled it closer, thanking me.

“So,” I said, giving him an opening, not wanting to monopolize the conversation like I’d done all night.

“I appreciate your taking the time to show me around.”

“My pleasure.”