All I can see are his fists that fought for me. His gray eyes still blazing but softer now that they’re turned on me. His rigid posture relaxing slightly.
That gorgeous body in a light green tee shirt and jeans that hug every muscle.
So tall.
“We should go,” he says, looking over at his car. “If you aren’t going to let me kill them.”
I glance over at the guys on the ground in various places. “You guys learned your lesson?”
Ian shakes his head. “I doubt it.”
“Well, you can’t go killing people,” I say. “You aren’t judge, jury, and executioner.”
He folds his arms, leading the way to his car. “I can be. If someone attacks you.”
My eyes widen. “What do you mean?”
He whirls around. “I’m here to protect you. I’ll do my job, and I don’t care about any humans who get in my way while I do it.”
His gray eyes are dark again, like storm clouds, and I can’t make out any flashes of rainbows.
“Hand me your phone,” I say. He does, and I dial 9-1-1.
“Hello, I’d like to report an attempted kidnapping,” I say. Then I give them the address and hang up the phone. “There. That’s the best we can do.”
Ian just folds his arms, glaring down at me.
I let out a breath, then walk forward and throw my arms around him, holding him tight because I’m not sure what else to do.
And I sense somehow that this could soothe him.
“Thank you for saving me,” I say against his chest, sinking into his warm body.
I feel him tense in shock, then relax into my hold, his arms unfolding and going around me.
I look up at him and see his eyes are lighter again, though maybe it’s just the angle in the sunlight.
He reaches down to tilt up my chin, and his eyes are somewhat tortured, somewhat at peace as he looks down at me.
“Dammit, why can’t I resist you?” he asks in an agonized voice.
The next moment, his perfect lips cover mine, and my entire soul feels filled with light.
My hands move up to thread in his hair, and while I can’t answer his question, I can only say that I understand how he feels.
Because I don’t think I can resist him either.
8
Ian
It feels as though everything I’ve been waiting for, everything I’ve wanted, explodes in my heart as I’m kissing Liz.
I’m just glad she’s okay. When I pulled into the lot, when I felt her distress signal… my heart stopped.
I haven’t felt that afraid since light pierced my chest.
But she’s fine. They didn’t hurt her. I was on time, which is amazing since I barely know her. I can’t believe I could already trace a distress signal.
Kissing her, holding her, is my way of calming down, reassuring both her and me that she’s fine. That we’re okay. That good triumphs over evil.
I want to believe that. I do.
But sometimes good needs a little help.
She sighs against my mouth, and as I feel myself harden, my whole body tight, I pull back from her because I really shouldn’t be doing this.
“That was amazing,” she says, looking up at my lips like she wants to kiss them again.
My heart is yearning for her, already aching to touch her again.
But my mission.
My world…
I lean down, cupping her head and bringing my lips to hers gently, exploring the seam with my tongue as she opens eagerly. Her hands dig into my waist and her hips press into me, and we fit together just perfectly.
I can feel the light inside me responding. Feel everything I’ve wished for coming true.
This is a soul bond. This is how they said it would feel. This is…
All wrong.
I pull back from her again, feeling like a magnet pulled from its pole. My body feels awful drawing away from her.
And the disappointment in her dark-brown eyes says she feels that way as well.
“Liz,” I say, brushing back a lock of hair, running my hands through the short dark curls that feel so amazing against my fingertips. I could play endlessly with the texture there.
She’s so brave, my little beacon artist. She was fighting them even as I arrived.
Thank goodness she fought.
“Are you okay? They didn’t do anything—”
“I told you I’m fine,” she says, slightly terse as she steps back from me, folding her arms around her as a breeze blows through the dusty rest stop.
“What’s wrong?”
She frowns. Then a smile lifts one corner of her mouth. “You keep teasing me, and I just… I can’t get a read on you. But when I look into those pretty gray eyes, I can’t be mad at you. Especially since you probably just saved my life.”
I step forward, running my hands up and down her arms to warm her since she still looks shaken. “We need to awaken your darkness powers. You could have taken them in a second. You should see Tanner—”
“Darkness powers?”
I frown. I guess I hadn’t decided whether I should tell her or not. But I have now. “Tanner told me he could sense you’re like him. A darkness fae.”
“Tanner is one?”
I nod. “Very powerful. He could teach you a lot.”
She rubs her temples. “I suppose… wow. Darkness.”
“I get it,” I say. “It’s a new world, and everything seems weird. But at some point, there was a darkness fae in your lineage. They control the powers of darkness.”
She frowns. “So what… I make things dark?”
“You can kill things,” he says. “Instantly. Tanner does.”
She purses her lips, unsure. “I can see how that would come in useful sometimes. But what if I don’t want to kill someone?”
“I think you should be able to put them to sleep. I believe Tanner can also shadow walk, disappear in shadows. Among other things. You’d have to ask him. Every type of fae tends to keep the secrets of their magic type close to the chest.”
“What about you?” She looks up at me. “As a light fae?”
I frown. “I don’t want to talk about that.”
She lets out a sigh. “I guess we should get home, huh?”
“Yes. Why did you hang up on me without giving me the address?”
She bites her lower lip, looking nervous. “I didn’t. My phone died. Just like my car did. I don’t know what’s happening lately. It’s like my bad luck is only increasing.”
“Perhaps it has something to do with your power,” I say carefully, walking back with her to the odd car I bought, which I’ve named Mr. Rollie. I asked Chadwick which car was expensive and high quality, and he sent me to a dealership.
Though, once I got there, I wasn’t sure if it was a joke.
Everyone has been staring at me wherever I go, so perhaps Mr. Rollie is overboard.
But if it keeps Liz safe, then I’m happy.
I hand her the keys. “Here. For you.”
“What?” Her eyebrows rise. “You’re kidding.”
“Your car is on its last legs,” I say. “I won’t feel safe with you out driving it. At least while you stay with me, use this.” I rub the back of my neck. “And if possible, take me with you.”
She nods. “After today, I will. But seriously, you’re going to let me drive your Rolls?”
“I’ve been assured it has optimum airbags and other safety features.”
She walks around the car, looking at it like it’s some sort of amazing monument. “You don’t get it. It’s a Rolls.”
“It has wheels. It’s safe.”
“This costs… so much money.”
I cock my head. “Money has no meaning to fae. I simply wanted you to be safe.”
She shakes her head disbelievingly. “Are all fae rich?”
“I don’t think so. My friend is a dragon, and his hoard is—”
“Whoa, I’m really going to have to get us
ed to some things,” she says, unlocking the car. “Your friend is a dragon?”
I nod. “Nice guy, too. In fact, I have two friends that are dragons.”
“Can I meet them?”
“You probably could, but they’re busy.” I don’t know why, but I feel jealous about taking her to see anyone else.
I just want her time for myself. I guess now that I’m relaxing, I’m going back to being that selfish light fae.
She gets in the driver’s seat, and I show her how to turn it on. “You sure you want me to drive?”
“I’m sure you’re more experienced than I am.”
She looks longingly out the window. “What about Big Red?”
“We’ll have it towed to a shop. See if they can fix it,” I say. “But I’d still rather you drive this.”
“You know this is really ostentatious.”
“I’ve been informed that humans see money as power, so it should also signal that you’re not to be messed with.”
Her eyes find mine, searching them as she purses her lips into a line. They’re still slightly swollen from me kissing them. “You bought me a Rolls to keep me safe?”
I swallow. “I’d do anything to keep you safe.” I tell her the truth because I’ve never been good at lying.
“That’s so sweet,” she says, resting both hands on the steering wheel. Her brown eyes are beautiful, glowing in the sun, and her fingers are long and delicate. “And that kiss…” She looks over at me. “Are you sure we’re not soul bonds?”
I shake my head. “I’m honestly not sure of anything. But I know that I shouldn’t have a soul bond. Not with what’s coming.”
“What’s coming?”
“I can’t tell you,” I say. “I just think… it would be better if you got involved with someone else. I’ll be your friend and help you awaken, but…”
She blinks, and I can tell she’s trying not to be emotional. “That’s fine.” She waves a hand. “Probably just the stress of the day wearing on me.” She points to the GPS. “Want to put the address in?”
I feel terrible. I feel like I’ve hurt her, and that’s the last thing I want to do.
“Liz… you’re amazing. A beautiful girl. It’s just…”
“Don’t worry about it,” she says, smiling at me and seeming composed. “You don’t have to be sorry for anything. Sometimes people just don’t work out together, even though on paper they should. So put the address in?”
Her tone is oddly bright, and though I’m sure this conversation isn’t over, I punch in the address so we can head home.
Mr. Rollie purrs as he starts up, and as we drive out of the rest stop, Liz lets out a satisfied sigh.
“You know, I like you, but this is a nice consolation prize.”
I grin. “I’m glad.”
“And I’ll be able to awaken my powers even if you’re not my soul bond?”
“I would think so,” I say. “Tanner does as well.”
She nods, looking determined. “Then I think I’ll be fine.” She smiles at me. “Let’s go home.”
“Sounds good,” I say, though after that kiss, I’m not sure how I’m going to live sleeping in the room next to her.
9
Ian
It’s not as awkward as I thought, being back at the apartment with her.
We had lunch with the other fae, and then she took a nap while I met with Tanner about current mission issues. Now it’s evening, and a cool breeze is blowing through the cracked-open window in the living room.
Everything just makes me feel at peace.
Especially seeing Liz comfy on the couch in gray sweats and a white tee shirt, flipping through my watch list.
“Oh my gosh, you like Love Villa?” she asks excitedly.
I blush instantly, thinking of Flynn’s constant mocking. But as usual, my honesty betrays me. “Yes. It’s my favorite show.”
“Me too!” She excitedly starts up an episode, patting the couch next to her. “Come on. Let’s watch together.”
“I just like the relationships,” I say, stretching before sitting down next to her just far enough apart that our hips don’t touch.
I’m not sure I could resist her if I were closer.
She wants me. I can feel it when she looks at me, in that hesitant smile she makes just before her eyes dart away as though she’s afraid I’ll catch her.
It’s so hard not to drop my guard around her. So hard not to forget everything that has happened and just enjoy being by her side.
“What’s wrong?” She glares at me playfully. “Sometimes I just get this feeling… something off about you. Like you’re worried.”
She’s perceptive. Or I’m too obvious. I’m not sure which it is.
“It’s nothing.”
“It’s something you aren’t telling anyone. Even your friends, right?”
“How did you know that?”
“Sometimes I see this genuine, playful excitement in you. The real you. Like when we kissed. And then other times, it’s like the walls go up and everything is hidden.”
I rub my neck because she’s just too close to the truth.
I need my walls up. Otherwise, I’ll fall in love with her.
And I’m the only one who can do what I need to do in my world.
But as her dark, liquid-silk eyes study me, all of that fades away, and there’s peace suddenly in my heart.
“Come on,” she says. “Put that away for a moment. You look like you need to relax.” She scoots over slightly so we’re touching and then puts her arm around mine. “Haven’t you cuddled before?”
I raise an eyebrow. “Do friends cuddle?”
She snorts. “I bet you cuddled with Flynn. I’ve seen you two together. Best buds doesn’t even really describe it.”
“I’m bonded with him,” I say nervously. “It’s different than what I feel with you.” I flush. “And we didn’t cuddle.”
She sighs. “Too bad. That makes a pretty picture in my head.”
My flush only deepens.
“Oh, stop it. I’m not trying to embarrass you. You’re just so cute and so easy to tease.” She sits up, looking thoughtful as she rubs her hands together. “To be honest, I’m just trying not to think about what happened. It was… scary. If you hadn’t been there…” She trails off, looking down. “If you hadn’t come that day in the parking lot too. To be honest, if we were involved, it would make more sense, everything you do for me.”
“I don’t see how being sexually involved would change things. I’m your protector. Your friend. Everything I do makes sense.”
She pins me with a sharp glare. “Including kissing me?”
I bite my lip. “Okay, maybe not that part.”
She grins and nods. “So yeah, I guess it’s messed up, but we’re living together. It would make more sense… I don’t know. But friends. I can respect that.” She stretches. “It’s probably just that you’re so attractive. That’s why I feel tension.”
She stands up and walks into the kitchen, and I cock my head curiously as I watch her.
“Did you need something?”
“You stay there,” she says. “You do everything.” She opens one cupboard, then another. “Flynn said you had a bottle of wine in here, and—oh, there it is.” She pulls it down and then finds glasses.
“Flynn did?” I scrunch my brows together. “When?”
“He took me aside after lunch. Told me there was some wine if I needed to loosen you up.”
I frown. “Loosen me up?”
“He said you’ve looked stressed lately. He also said he could tell I’d been through some tough times.” She uncorks the wine expertly and pours it into glasses. “Which is true. Speaking of which, do you think we could go get painting supplies tomorrow? My paycheck should be deposited by then. I checked my account earlier, and it was pending.”
“We can go anytime,” I say. “I can buy them for you.”
She frowns. “I can’t just let you do everything.
Especially as a friend.”
“You’re a fairy,” I say. “I’m your protector. And as I said, money means nothing to us.”
She hands me a glass of wine as she sits down facing me, one leg tucked under her. “What does mean something to you, then?”
I think for a moment. “Honor. Goodness. Integrity. Honesty. Doing good for others. Leaving the world better than we found it.”
She lifts her glass to clink it against mine. “I’ll toast to that. It’s why I love making art. People look at it and can just be carried away to a better place. Some people think people like me, who paint pretty landscapes, aren’t real artists. But I think anything is valid if it comes from the heart and is trying to make the world a better place.”
“I’ll toast to that,” I say, grinning at her. I wish I could have met her sooner. I’ve never met someone I got along with so easily.
There’s a connection between us, something that’s hard to deny, even if I know I can’t explore it.
We meet eyes over our glasses as we sip our wine, and then she reaches for the remote and starts the episode of Love Villa.
Before I know it, we’re laughing together about the show, trying to predict which relationships will end and which seem real. And drinking wine until the bottle is empty.
By then, we’ve watched until it’s dark outside, until the stars are twinkling beyond the window and the night air feels cool on my alcohol-flushed skin.
I look over to see Liz watching me, not the TV, a flush on her cheeks, a guilty smile on her full lips.
“Sorry,” she says. “You’re just so beautiful.” Her words are slightly slurred but understandable. “The hottest guy I’ve ever seen. Every time I look at you, I’m in trouble. But when I don’t look at you, it’s like there is something behind my eyes just pulling them back to your face.”
I nod at her. “I get the feeling.” The alcohol has me feeling warm and heady. And based on how my words come out, I might be more buzzed than she is.
“Walk a straight line,” she says, pointing to the carpet in front of us.
“Why?” I ask, blinking at her.
“So I can see if you’re sober.”
Loved by Light (Wings, Wands and Soul Bonds Book 4) Page 6