Page 131 of Fallen Court

Gradually, I floated back to reality, limbs heavy and body spent. He rested his forehead against mine as we fought to catch our breath, pulses gradually slowing.

He stared into my eyes with a tenderness that made my heart ache as I smoothed a sweat-dampened strand of hair from his brow. His eyes fluttered open, meeting my awed gaze.

“You’re the only thing that chases the darkness away,” he whispered hoarsely, raw emotion coloring his confession. “You are the light in my world.”

Tears burned in my eyes as he kissed me once, the brush of his lips full of promise.

Barely drawing back, he closed his eyes. “I’m so s—”

I pressed a silencing finger to his lips.

“Stop saying you’re sorry,” I told him, and his eyes flew open. “I’m not keeping score.”

One dark brow arched skeptically, and a giggle bubbled up my throat.

“At the moment,” I amended with a playful grin.

“That’s my girl.” He helped me to my feet as my stomach rumbled so loudly that he flinched. “I guess I have to actually feed you.”

“I guess so.” I held out a hand. “Panties, please.”

He frowned as he reached into his pocket, muttering something under his breath as he helped me step into them. Smoothing my skirt into place, I looked around at the destruction. “I guess we aren’t eating in here.”

“Hopefully I didn’t scorch it.” He took my hand and guided me toward the kitchen.

The rich, spicy aroma hit me first, causing my mouth to water and another embarrassingly loud rumble from my stomach. Lach laughed, leading me over to the stove where a large pot sat simmering. He lifted the lid with a flourish to reveal a hearty gumbo. I peeked inside, surprised to see it looked nearly as delicious as it smelled.

“You actually cooked this?” I asked, hardly able to believe my eyes. Lachlan Gage, powerful fae prince, slaving over a stove? Too domestic. Too normal.

He stuck his tongue out. “I’m only mildly offended.”

Grabbing a spoon, he scooped up a generous portion, blowing on it before offering it to me. I accepted the bite, and flavors exploded on my tongue. Rich. Spicy. Incredible. An involuntary moan escaped my lips.

“This is better than sex.” I swiped the spoon from him.

“Now I’m definitely offended.” But he was smiling as he ladled some into a bowl.

I clutched the bowl as he dished up his own. “I wish it could always be this simple.”

“Me too.” He dropped the ladle in the pot and settled against the counter, holding his own gumbo. But he didn’t take a bite. “We caught the murderer.”

I stilled, processing the information. Relief warred with a sense of unease in my gut. Finally, I managed a quiet, “Good.”

“It was a vampire.” He told me more as I continued to eat, his own food forgotten. When he admitted to staking him, I put my bowl down, fingers trembling. He fell silent for a moment. “I shouldn’t have told you that part.”

But I shook my head. “I meant what I said before,” I murmured. “I want to know everything. You just have to remember I’m new to all of this. I’ll get comfortable with it.”

At least I hoped I would.

“Part of me doesn’t ever want you to be comfortable with this, Cate,” he admitted, the shadows returning in full force. “I wish you didn’t have to face this darkness.”

“I’m not scared of the darkness. I’m only scared of losing you.”

“You have me,” he promised, sadness shining in his eyes. “Every breath I have left is yours.”

Because he couldn’t promise me forever. Not with that mark burned into the back of his neck. The reality of our situation crashed over me like a tidal wave, dragging me under its weight. We stared into each other’s eyes.

“I wish it was longer. I wish it was forever,” he added softly.