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“I smell...” He lifted his nose into the air. “I smell...candy.”
Arteisma squealed and pointed toward the candy shop. “Can we get some candy, Des?”
“Can we, please? Just a few pieces?” Nereida’s face lit up with excitement.
My throat was still tight with emotion. All I could manage was a short nod and a sad smile.
Seff crouched to speak to the twins. “Go on ahead. We’ll catch up in a few minutes.”
Both Seff and I watched as they ran toward the shop, squealing excitedly at the top of their lungs. I turned back to Seff. His arms came around me and held me close as I breathed in his calming scent.
“Weird how it all comes on, huh?”
I nodded, not ready to speak, simply trying to breathe.
“Take all the moments you need, darlin’.”
We stood together, silent, while I beat back all the emotions threatening to overwhelm me.
After what seemed like an hour, Seff lifted my chin with his fingers. His rich, coffee-colored eyes held mine.
“The twins seem real comfortable talking to strangers.”
“I’ve taught them how to scent bad intentions. They should never be afraid to ask someone for help if they feel threatened.” I should have followed my own lesson.
Neither of us moved or spoke for the next few moments until I broke the silence.
“Where do you want to settle?”
His lips parted as he considered my out-of-nowhere question. “If I’m with you, doesn’t make much difference where we are.”
I smiled. “As long as it’s not here.”
He nodded. “We’ve got plenty of time to decide.”
“No, we don’t. With all the snow, if we don’t leave within the next few weeks, we’ll likely be stuck here until next April.” I gazed up at him and lowered my voice to a whisper. “There’s too much death here, Seff. Too many memories of things I never wanted to see—things I never wanted to do, but I did anyway.”
“Sounds like we’re going to have one hell of a long conversation soon.” The slight smile that curved his lips lit up his face and filled me with warmth. “And I gotta say I’m looking forward to it.”
Even though thesakanabond was amazing, I wasn’t sure how to interpret the emotions I felt coming off him. He was definitely looking forward to something, conversations being a small part. He might have imagined words, but in a more incoherent form, maybe—moans and groans and pleas for something other than mercy.
“Damn, Des, you’ve got the most gorgeous eyes I’ve ever seen.”
I smiled, feeling the weight of my emotions slide away. “They’re the same as Decker’s.”
He shook his head. “Nah. Deck’s are flat. Your eyes are bright, vivid turquoise.” His finger softly stroked along my temple as his voice dropped to a murmur. “Makes my heart ache just lookin’ at you.”
A tingle of desire slid through my blood and settled like an ache low in my abdomen.
Seff leaned down, his lips an inch from my mouth. “Your scent is so...luscious. I want to eat you up.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Luscious?”
A wide grin spread across his face as his dark eyes turned into perfect crescent moon shapes. “I don’t think I’ve ever used that word to describe anythin’ in my life.”
“Well, I love the way you say it.” Stepping back, I tucked my hand around his arm and tugged him along to stroll toward the candy store.
His flirty demeanor shifted suddenly as he went stiff.
