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Her words were a bucket of ice water over me. I felt my body changing, the scales dissolving, the claws retracting. My snout had disappeared. I wrapped my arms around her. “What did you do?” There was no hiding the awe and admiration in myvoice.
With a chuckle, Maggie responded. “I think I gave you an alternative to the burnroom.”
* * *
Maggie
“Lips,”I moaned, after Blaise planted kisses everywhere but there as sunlight streamed through the curtains in his bedroom. I puckered up and eventually he complied. Slowly, I opened my eyes only to discover he was already dressed. Alarmed, I sat up immediately. “Crap. How long did I sleep?” I started to hop out of bed, but he stoppedme.
“Rest. I’m going to the office. I’m trying to avoid traffic by leaving early.” Blaise smiled down at me and I could feel a growing heat in my lower abdomen, which made it increasingly difficult to pay attention as he spoke. “I have one meeting and a conference call that couldn’t be rescheduled. Then I’m back here, to spend the rest of the day withyou.”
I nestled into the pillows. “So, I didn’t imagine spending the night in yourarms?”
He laughed quietly. “No. That was real. Everything between us is real.” Blaise cupped my cheek and I knew what he wassaying.
“Hurry back,” I whispered, unwilling to start the day with yet another discussion designed to melt me. I wasn’t giving in. I was too stubborn. There was too much at stake. Then I rolled away from him and hoped he’d go away. I didn’t want to cry in front ofhim.
“You see how happy I am? This is because I’ve accepted you. See how sour you are?” His voice was teasing, even as he spoke the truth. “I’m patiently waiting for you to choose happiness,principessa.”
Finally, the sound of his steps disappeared down the hall. I waited until I heard the front door open and shut. Then I snuck back to my room to peek out into the courtyard just in time to see his car disappear through the gate. I expected to feel relieved. I’d have a few hours without the constant pressure to become his mate. Unfortunately, in his absence, the flutter had become painful again. With a groan, I decided to shower and dress for theday.
I should've felt relieved, but I felt remorse instead. Fredo took notice of my displeasureimmediately.
"Can I get you anything for breakfast, miss?" His head tilted as he studied me. "Or some tissues and chocolateperhaps?"
"I refuse to cry, Fredo, but I'll take the chocolate. Lots of chocolate. Please." I sighed and sat at thecounter.
"Wouldn't you be more comfortable sitting on the patio with your father?" He gestured toward the table where my father sat, sucking down coffee and studying his dataprintouts.
"No," I responded crisply. I swear he smirked, but quicklyrecovered.
"Then let's discuss the chocolate, miss." He stood before me ready to serve. How would I ever grow accustomed tothis?
"You're a gift and I don't want to abuse you." I sighed. "Maybe just a hot chocolate,please?"
"And..."
"Um...either chocolate croissants or crepes, maybe?" I bit my cheek, afraid to get too hopeful with such a complexrequest.
Fredo opened the oven to show me he already had half a dozen croissants inside. "They're about done. And while I don't have any crepes, I wonder if some chocolate covered strawberries might suffice." Then he turned and smiled atme.
"I could weep. You're amazing." Igrinned.
"Thank you, miss. Now, I'll bring it out to you on the patio," hereplied.
"And pushy," I grumbled as I slid off the stool and trudged toward the Frenchdoors.
"How do you think I survive Mr. Draco?" Fredochuckled.
I rolled my eyes at him as I walked out to join my father at the table. "Morning," I chirped, determined to have a pleasant interaction withhim.
"Maggie," Dad mumbled. Then he glanced at me, set down his paperwork, and pulled the glasses off his face before addressing me again. "So, what's this I hear about you and Mr.Draco?"
"Ugh." I turned away. "I was trying to have a nice day. There goes that idea." I huffed before responding. "There's nothing. He likes me. Don't worry. I'm not leavingyou."
My father chewed a bite of his pancake and stared at me thoughtfully. "But youshouldleave me. Maggie, I'm holding you back. We both knowthis."
I shook my head. "Let's not have this conversation. Not now. Not today. Hell, maybe not ever. That would be okay withme."
