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It makes my heart flutter to think that spending time together could contribute to making him happy.
It’s getting to late afternoon, turning to early evening, and the sun is starting to sink. We all agree we need to make our way back to the hotel and start getting ready for the gala.
Elias is the one to take me back through the abyss this time, far slower and more deliberate about it than Caelan was on either occasion. He doesn’t tend to pick me up and throw me around as much, so being lifted and held against his chest is a pleasant new experience. The way his shadows caress my skin is enjoyable too. I barely even notice the wrongness and the sickening sensation that comes with moving through the abyss when all my attention is on Elias.
“Thank you,” I say as he puts me back down on my feet in the hotel room, and I press a soft kiss to his lips. “That was a wonderful date. I had fun.”
Caelan is grinning, just watching us. “You’re so adorable.”
“Indeed,” Elias agrees, a quiet laugh in his voice. “Now, dear. The gala,” he reminds me. “Go and get ready.”
ChapterThirteen
We probably should have left more time to get changed. Technically, the gala is already open for arrival, although no major events begin until a little later. But either way, I’m all too aware I shouldn’t waste much time.
I collect my dress. I’m prepared to rush through the shower and hastily get ready, but Caelan’s next words stop me in my tracks.
“You got, like, a spare suit or something?” he asks Elias, and we both look at him in bewilderment.
“What for?” Elias questions, eyebrows furrowed.
Caelan rolls his eyes in response to being stared at. “For the dumb gala thing, what d’you think for?”
“I thought you weren’t coming,” I say.
Caelan shrugs. “Maybe I changed my mind, whatever, it’s not like it matters. I don’t exactly have anything to wear for it.”
I want to be happy about it, but there’s still something reserved in his voice. “Caelan, you don’t have to. If you’re coming just for me, that’s a sweet gesture, but I don’t want you forcing yourself into a situation you’re not comfortable in just to keep me company.”
“I’m notuncomfortable. It’s boring and dumb.”
“The point definitely still stands.”
“The whole gala thing is boring and dumb,” Caelan amends. “But what else am I gonna do, sit around here on my own and jack off?”
I giggle because, frankly, he probably would.
“I enjoy spending time with you, that’s all. Even if it is at some stupid, fancy event.”
“Caelan—”
“Stop making it a big deal. I’ll come with you, whatever.”
“Is… this because of what I said on the beach?”
Caelan gives me a lazy scowl and flicks me on the forehead. “What part of stop making it a big deal ain’t ya getting?”
Elias intervenes by gently guiding me toward the bathroom. “I wouldn’t try arguing with him. He’s stubborn when he’s made up his mind regarding something. Take care of your own preparations.”
I go as directed, a little reluctantly. I will be glad for the company, but not at the expense of Caelan’s comfort. But he insists it’s not a big deal, and I’m going to have to trust that he wouldn’t do something he really didn’t want to just to make me happy. And, honestly, now I think of it that way, Caelan wouldn’t be that selfless. He’s not like me, going along with social situations I don’t care for just for the sake of not rocking the boat. If he really didn’t want to go, he’d damn well not go. He’s ademon. Of course, he’ll do whatever he wants.
Reassured by the thought, I briefly shower to get the last of the sand off me. Getting dressed is a quick affair that only requires drying off and sliding into the ballgown. It’s a rich crimson taffeta with floor-length ruffled tiers, a low-cut neckline, and off-the-shoulder sleeves. I’ve never worn it before. I hardly go out, certainly not to events where that level of fancy is appropriate, but for once, I’m relishing the opportunity to look nice instead of feeling out of place.
Somehow, it feels different if it’s for Elias and Caelan. Worth the effort.
Elias has sourced a suit for Caelan too. He must have altered it for the purpose because it fits Caelan too perfectly to be Elias’. And Caelan looks—he looks so good.
He doesn’t look overlyimpressedabout being in a suit. Or maybe it’s because of the tie that he’s still struggling with, scowling and swatting at Elias’ hands when Elias attempts to fix it for him.
