AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“New Orleanians don’t hide. We conquer,” I pronounced, suddenly certain that I was going to figure it out. This city had figured out pestilence, poverty, and politics. It wasn’t always pretty, but I was built of sterner stuff than whatever Chester was made of. I wasn’t going to seek power, but if I had it, I’d use it to survive—and protect my loved ones.
“I bid you adieu.” Iggy’s low voice broke into my thoughts as we closed the last half block.
“Thanks, Ig.” I reached out like I might hug him, but he dodged me this time.
“Boss lady,” the doorman greeted. “That one is not allowed inside.”
He still gave us both a once-over. I knew the search for injuries was habit, but some nights it bothered me. I’d successfully avoided any proper attempts on my life for over eight months. Sure, there was a scuffle the night before my wedding, but that was going on twelve weeks ago now.
“No stitches needed!” I called in a loud voice as I did a little twirl.
At my side, Iggy stifled a laugh. “Go inside, Hexen. I am off to visit the widow before succumbing to well-earned rest.”
“Be safe.”
He bowed his head and gestured me onward. I felt a bit like a child at times when I was treated like I had to be handed from guard-to-witch-to-terrifying grandmother-to spouse. I knew it was because they cared, but I had spent the majority of my life beheading monsters.
Their overprotectiveness often made me snarl.
I stepped inside what was once my home away from home. Bill’s Tavern was a standard but lovely tavern: polished wooden bar, low bar lights, and a remarkable liquor collection that had been custom designed for me when I hadn’t yet noticed that Eli had been wooing me.
Yet another reason to fight.
It took less than three heartbeats for my gaze to find Eli’s. I didn’t need a map. I felt him as surely as plants feel the sun. He stood behind the bar, mixing drinks as if he was not royalty. It was a point of pride with him that he carried on with as much normalcy as he could even though his secret was public.
Heir to the throne, future ruler of every faery, and he’d rather mix cocktails.
He slid the drink to a patron, and then he stepped back as one of the other bartenders stepped forward to address the next order. Rational thought flickered and paused as he watched me weave between patrons.
Only an awareness that my ability toflow—move at the speed of the dead—was still a secret I had to protect kept my feet steady and sure. Okay, maybe the fact that if I ran I’d look desperate was a factor, too.
When I reached him, I didn’t vault over the bar like I wanted to. I smiled and said, “Hi.”
To my left I heard a laugh that I recognized as my friend Christy’s, currently manager of the bar. “Newlyweds,” she teased.
I made a rude gesture in her general direction, grateful that there was a “no cameras allowed” policy here.
I didn’t look away from Eli, nor did I remark on the way his gaze traced my skin. I understood it more these days. His studious gaze was not doubt in my abilities but a need to know I was uninjured.
“Bonbon,” he murmured softly. Eli watched me in a way that made me feel like I was a treasure he’d defend, a cause he’d uphold, and a gift he’d cherish.
“Take me home?” I hadn’t meant for it to sound like a question—hell, I hadn’t even meant to say it—but it came out that way.
He held my gaze. “Now?”
“Unless you cannot . . .”
Eli called out, “Car. Front door.” Then he came out from behind the bar. “What do you need? Are you well or—”
“You. I just needyou.” I stepped into his arms, angled my head so I could whisper into his ear. “Naked. Soon.”
His hold on me tightened.
I pulled back, but he caught my mouth in the sort of kiss that always made me suspect every other person I’d kissed had been imitating how kisses ought to be. Eli kissed like it was an art, and he was a master.
Someone cleared their throat, loudly, and Eli stepped back enough that there was space between us.
“Your car,” the doorman said, not meeting my eyes.
