Page 83 of Protected By the Elf Prince

He pointed over at me. “But it’s also because of how damn cute you are getting flustered whenever we talk about bedroom things. I love you, Dashiel, for so many reasons.”

My throat thickened.

Landon sighed contentedly and touched his chest. “Yeah, I can feel your love right here too.”

“Like I do yours.”

“I’m glad that’s something the bond gives us. At least then, I’ll know if you get annoyed with me.”

“I doubt I ever could.”

Landon laughed. “We’ll see. We have many more days together. I’m sure I’ll do something… like burn your tea.”

My eyes widened at the horrid thought, making Landon chuckle.

We had already had so many perfect days together, but I did feel that each one topped the last. My life with Landon would be plentiful.

After a moment, Landon studied me for several seconds, so I asked, “What?”

“I like that you smile a lot more now.”

The observation caught me off guard. “Do I?”

He nodded. “Do you know, the day you rescued me, your brother said they hadn’t seen you hopeful before.”

“Did he?”

“He did. But I never told him I like that I’m the reason.”

Emotions swept through the bond. The strongest was love, which nearly stole my breath.

I looked away briefly, gathering myself. Eventually, I said, “I did not know happiness could feel like this.”

His expression gentled, and he reached across the table again, taking my hand in his. “You deserve it.”

The bond shimmered warmly between us. His affection wrapped around my heart, and mine answered immediately.

Breakfast lasted longer than expected because our conversation kept wandering. Landon wanted to know about the forest surrounding the cottage. The animals living within it.

Whether Sashiel was teasing when he told Landon on the phone the other day that elves often gathered for tea ceremonies and they genuinely lasted three hours or more.

“He is correct.”

My mate looked horrified.

“I mean, I know how to party, but tea parties that last that long?”

I laughed. “You would adapt.”

“I think you’re overestimating tea.”

“I could never.” It was my turn to wink now as I added, “He was jesting.”

Landon groaned and huffed out a laugh. “Thank God for that.”

Afterward, I prepared some tea that I had promised him, and he sampled each variety with complete seriousness before deciding one tasted like freshly mowed grass.

“Do not fear. I will find one you will love.”