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Lance winces, his brown eyes darting around. As if in a final plea, he looks at me over one of Matthew’s large shoulders. “You’re going to choose this caveman over me? He probably doesn’t even have a spot at Augusta National.”
“Neither do you,” I snap. Another perk Lance would have received frommyfamily.
“Well, fine, but I’m wor—”
Matthew steps forward and leans down into Lance’s ear. “What did I say about looking at her?”
Lance frowns. There’s no way he’s equipped to handle whatever comes after Matthew’s words. Goodness, I’m barely able to understand what’s going on between my wild pulse and the thrumming fire in my veins.
“You know what? Fine, whatever.” Lance forces another sneer and stalks off.
I’m left entirely glued to the floor. It takes a few moments and some shallow breaths for Matthew to stretch out his neck and turn to face me. “You good?” I nod, because it’s the only thing I can do when the reality of seeing Matthew go all man and protective of me actually kicks in. “Let’s go home.”
“Matthew.” I halt, scanning his face. “That wasn’t—he didn’t say or do anything that meant something to me.”
A calmness returns to his face. “Darling, I get to be with you every night. I couldn’t care less about that boy.”
My lips roll together, and I turn to a puddle where I stand. “Every night, huh?” I say playfully.
“Damn straight.” He nods. “Plus, I have more important news. Your Uncle Davis agreed to come to the Winter Ball.”
The first task is crossed off our list of impossibles, and only five more weeks to go. “I guess we have lots to celebrate.”
Chapter24
Molly
We stumble into my townhouse,laughter bouncing off the walls and ringing through the chandeliers. “Best Halloween ever,” I giggle, pulling off the equestrian boots Matthew got me back in Arizona. They were the perfect match for Serienna’s costume. Bear runs to the front door and loops between our legs. “Hey, Beary!” I give him a pat on the head.
“I have to be honest.” Matthew kicks off his own boots, giving his cat a scratch behind the ears. “I could get used to carrying this sword around.”
His Damien costume has had my heart galloping all night. “Oh yeah? All that steel does look good on you.” I wink. “You were the perfect warrior. It must be because you’re a natural at pretending.”
He brushes his hand into my straightened curls and says, “The only pretend I want to do with you is role-play.”
“Well, we could start that right now.” I brush one of my fingers over the leather waist of his pants.
“Oh yeah, you into that?”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Hudson.” I laugh when he pulls my hand to his lips and leaves kisses along my knuckles.
“Becoming fluent in everything about you has been my greatest honor, milady.” He throws on his indescribable accent, lowering his voice. The words are part of our little game, but I can tell he means them. For real. “Though next year we’re going as Lysa and Jordy.”
Next year. We haven’t spoken about our future much since returning to New York. We’ve been trying to take it day by day and focus on wrapping up the tasks for the Winter Ball. The mention of a time so far from now makes my knees weak.
“Of course you’d like that,” I tease. “An elf and a human. Will they overcome their differences, defy fate, and be immortal mates?” It’s my turn to take on a dramatic voice, one that makes Matthew smile.
“What is it they say? True love prevails.” I’m not sure we’re talking about my book anymore. “Lysa reminds me of you so much.”
“Well, I’m definitely no elf.” I push the hair out of my face, swiping against my golden ear cuffs. “I mean, except for right now.”
“Lysa’s strong, resilient. Even when she loses her magic, she does everything to keep her friends safe. Sure, Serienna begins the story, but it’s Lysa who’s the real lead. I always picture her with curls as red as yours, the same beautiful amber eyes.”
My body comes to life beneath his touch. The half a glass of wine at Lily and Nico’s Halloween bash is causing my cheeks to flush.
“Well, don’t get too attached,” I joke. He doesn’t need to know Lysa’s life is at the mercy of a cliff-hanger in book five.
“Jordy did, and I believe he’s doing just fine.”The space between us shrinks. Bear gives us a look and runs off. The things this poor cat has witnessed in under two weeks—he already knows when we need privacy. Matthew reaches for my cheek, and his fingers wander lazily into my hair.
