“You don’t mind?” I ask, snaking my other hand around her waist, that need for more contact, more Audrey, undeniable once again.
Audrey turns around in my arms and fists her hands on her hips. “You think I want you to go up in flames on my behalf? Sorry if I gave you that impression.”
“No, you didn’t. I—”
“I’m fucking with you,” Audrey says, her expression full of mirth. “All the food is done, the dishes are washed, and the living room is tidy. Katie can find us at the castle with any news.”
“Thank you.” I think about kissing Audrey for all of a second, and then decide to just do it anyway. No passion, no ulterior motive, just a press of my lips to hers in gratitude.
Audrey looks a little stunned when I pull back, but there’s a small smile adorning her mouth as she steps away from me and sets about placing the various dishes in the icebox, each one with a note attached to it.
I hold the yellow front door open while Audrey gives the cottage a final look, checking that everything is in its rightful place.
“Why are all the cottage doors on the island painted except yours? Audrey asks as she steps past me.
“I’ve never felt particularly attached to any color to commit to it,” I explain.Though, if I were to pick a color today, I’d consider painting it a deep ruby red,I silently add.
As the castle’s tallest turret emerges behind the next hill, I grab Audrey’s hand and bring us to a halt. I turn around and pull her behind me, my ears straining to place the approaching sound.
“It’s Katie,” I announce, recognizing the flutter of her delicate fairy wings.
In less than a breath, Audrey rounds me and lifts onto her toes, weaving up and down as she scans the dark hills for a glimpse of Katie. If she wasn’t so anxious at this moment, I’d consider Audrey to look adorable like this. Audibly making this remark though, is not something I’m brave enough to do.
“Damned human senses,” Audrey grumbles. “They’re basically worthless in the dark.”
Thankfully, she doesn’t have to wait too long until Katie appears with a smile so bright, it’s impossible to miss it.
When Katie’s still a way off, Audrey shouts, “Are the babies here? Is Tilly okay?”
“All in good health,” Katie pants, her chest heaving with short breaths when she comes to stand in front of us. “Bodin and Tilly are one boy and one girl richer. The babies’ Apgar scores are great and Tilly is tired but in good spirits. She says to telleveryone that she’s never seen Bodin smile so much as when he’s holding both of them. The hospital is keeping everyone in for observation, but they’ll be back home in a couple of days.”
The relief rushing through Audrey is nearly palpable. Her stiff shoulders drop as her worries roll off of them, and an intoxicating laugh bubbles up from her chest. It’s like she’s been waiting to take a full breath all night and can finally allow herself to.
“Thank you, Katie,” I say, conscious not to touch Audrey in case a new rumor finds its way around the island before sunrise.
“You’re very welcome. I was on strict orders to find Audrey first and relay those precise sentences while Doc Calla shares the good news with Beryl and Calixta. My next stop is Shinsu and Nori, then Ren and Maisie, then…”
Audrey envelops Katie with a hug, catching the fairy off guard, but she quickly recovers and wraps her arms around Audrey too.
“If you hear anything else, please let us know,” Audrey says when she steps away.
“Will do. You better get inside now, the sun is rising soon,” Katie says before fluttering away. She must really be taking her job as messenger seriously because never before have I heard her speak so few words.
Once Katie is out of sight, Audrey looks at me, her eyes alight with such joy I can’t help but smile back at her.
“I feel like celebrating.”
The intention behind Audrey’s words has blood rushing through my body and straight toward my cock. The sensation reminds me that I haven’t fed yet, so whatever happens next needs to be solely focused on Audrey’s pleasure and not mine. If I were to climax again, the temptation to bite her would be too great.
This is also not a problem for me. In fact, I consider this to be the perfect opportunity to right the scales after our earlier tryst.
Tonight, I’m not planning to stop after bringing Audrey to climax just once or twice. I aim to draw so much pleasure from Audrey that she’ll never forget me once she leaves this island.
“Come,” I say as I take Audrey’s hand and pull her toward the castle.
“Oh, I plan on it. Multiple times.”
When we get through the castle’s door, I sweep Audrey up in my arms and dash up the stairs, straight to her room.
