“Oh, OK,” I said. I looked around for the check, but Sen held out his hand to me. “We need to get the—”
“I have taken care of it,” Sen said smoothly. He took my hand in his, leading me out of the bar.
I saw the hostess watch him, and I turned my head so that she didn’t see me smile. She was beautiful, and normally, someone like her—small, petite, and dark—would have had a chance with someone like Sen.
But not tonight.
When we were out on the sidewalk, Sen took my arm and tucked it in his once more. I leaned into him, and we walked in silence.
“This is me,” I said, stopping in front of the hotel, gesturing vaguely.
Sen let go of my arm, and I felt bereft. He took my hand and lifted it to his lips, and the touch of his lips sent the lightning bolt through me again.
What was this guy doing to me? Who was he? I didn’t care. I loved this. I was going to go with it and worry about what happened after Paris later.
Sen pulled my hand closer, bringing me nearer to him. His smell, the smell of a forest after the rain, overwhelmed me. His hand curled mine close to his chest, and his head came down toward mine. “I’ve enjoyed this time with you, Calla,” he said. Then his lips were on mine, and I couldn’t think anymore.
Chapter Four
Sen
The small touches between us throughout the evening were driving me wild, but that was nothing to the feel of her lips on mine. I wanted to take her away from here, to spend hours with her, worshiping her body. My cock was hard, and it was all I could do not to take her in my arms and take her away right now, taking her repeatedly. Making her mine.
But this wasn’t how humans went about anything. I pulled away, even though it made me ache. My entire being wanted this woman.
Calla blinked, and her eyes as she gazed at me were full of longing and confusion.
“I will see you tomorrow,” I said. “I’ll find you.”
“How?” Her voice was quiet.
I laughed. “Mont St. Michel is not that large,” I said. “Don’t worry, Calla. We can meet at the entrance to the abbey at noon. And I want to thank you for this evening.”
“No, thank you,” she said. Then she surprised me by sliding her hand up to my neck and pulling me to her to kiss me once more. This was more forceful, her intention clear. I let myself go and get lost in Calla.
She was the one who pulled away this time. “I am really glad I met you,” she said. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow.” Then she let go of my hand and walked into the hotel.
How long I stood on the sidewalk, I didn’t know. I watched Calla until she got into the elevator and the doors closed behind her.
“What are you doing?” a grumpy voice said in my ear.
I whirled around, the knife that lived in my sleeve sliding easily to my hand. It was at the throat of my attacker within a second. I looked to see who it was who dared accost me—and saw Regin.
Regin was my cousin, and the person whom I was closest to within my family. When I ended up as the head of the family, Regin would be the person right there with me.
“A better question would be what are you doing? Why are you following me?” I asked.
“Come. Let’s remove ourselves from this place,” Regin said. He didn’t care for the human world, and for public spaces even less. He strode off into the darkness.
With a last glance at the hotel, I followed him.
He moved quickly. We soon reached a lightly wooded area. It was as good as it would get here in Paris. There were no forests within the city.
Regin rounded on me before I’d caught up with him. “Sen, why are you here? We have much to do at home.”
I rolled my eyes, tucking my knife away. Seeing Regin made me concerned that there was an immediate danger, but had that been the case, he would not be taking the time to yell at me. “There is always much to do at home. In case you have missed it, I’m not the head of the family. I do not make decisions or lead the family. That is my father’s duty, and he is very much alive.”
“You should be there to protect your interests,” Regin said.
“Is there something you wish to tell me that you do not think will please me? I can’t figure out any other reason for you dancing around like this,” I said.
He let his head fall back and crossed his arms, taking a deep breath. “You are the eldest, but there are cousins who are not as loyal and amazing as I am, and they do not wish you well.”
I rolled my eyes, walking away from him. “My father wouldn’t countenance such.”
“No, he would not, but that doesn’t stop their scheming.”
“What, exactly, are they scheming?” I turned around to look at him. “What do you know?”
He sighed. “There is nothing specific, but you know what is expected of you. Which is the reason you are here, I’d guess.”
I turned away, not wanting to hear the truth in his words.
“You know,” Regin persisted. “Once you return, plans for the future must be put into motion. If you refuse to be part of them…” he stopped.
I looked over my shoulder to see him shrug.
” Am I to have no say in my future?”
“You’ve had plenty of time to have your say. There’s no choice left. Which you know.” His tone didn’t bother to hide his impatience. “It’s time for you to give up your fascination with this world, Sen. Your home needs you. This world does not. You can no longer pretend that the future is not happening.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” I said, looking off into the trees.
Regin stared. “What do you mean?”
“I will concede that some of the family are less than supportive of Father, and by extension, me,” I said.
Regin nodded.
“But I need more time here,” I continued. “There is something I must attend to.”
“How much more time?” Regin asked.
“Ten days, at the most.”
He frowned. “You cannot manage to address whatever this is sooner?”
I shook my head. “No. I need ten days.” What I was going to do with those ten days, I wasn’t sure. I wasn’t sure as to why I’d even asked him to help me with this time. But it felt right. I wanted—needed—to see Calla again, and I knew she was here for ten days.
“I can manage that for you,” he sighed and looked off into the distance. “But when you return, you must face the truth.”
“Tell my father I’m working on something,” I said.
“And that is what?” Regin looked skeptical.
“I don’t wish to share right now,” I said. “If it comes to fruition, you will be the first to know. But if I’m wrong, I’d rather keep my failure to myself,” I grinned at him. I was telling him the truth. Whether he believed me was a different story.
“Very well,” Regin said. “You will keep yourself safe?”
“When do I not?” I asked.
“There is not enough time to answer that,” Regin replied. “I am going now. But I will hold you to your word. Ten days from now, you must return.”
“Go, go,” I said. I stepped closer to embrace him. “And I thank you for your vigilance.”
He returned my embrace. “You’re lucky I like you.”
“I know,” I said.
Regin stepped back and nodded. Then he waved his hand, and the mist that indicated the opening between the human world and Fae appeared. Regin stepped into the mist and was gone. The mist disappeared as though it had never been there.
I stood for some time longer thinking about what Regin had said. The fact that he came here meant that some of my cousins were stirring unrest. He was right in that I’d need to deal with them. They would still be around long after my father had passed on, which wouldn’t be for hundreds of years, at least. But those close to me in age were mine to deal with. And I would.
After I saw where this attraction to Calla went. That she was attracted to me was apparent, but I didn’t know
what it meant.
I hadn’t felt this level of desire for a human woman in ages. I enjoyed them, enjoying spending time with them, but Calla was different. I’d only just met her, and I knew that to be a fact. She was different. And whatever happened with her would be different. I could feel it, down to my bones.
Down to somewhere else, as well. I grinned, even though the mere thought of Calla made my cock hard and my desire rush forward again. She wasn’t even near me, and my body responded to her.
Oh, she would be different.
I summoned the mist that would allow me to travel and brought myself to Mont St. Michel. No portals for me. Our family preferred to travel more discreetly. As one of the leading families in court, we had that privilege. I could see the sense in Regin’s concern. There would always be those who felt they could do a better job of leading the family. Well, I’d address that in ten days. Right now, I needed to find a place to sleep for the night.
I checked into one of the hotels, getting a room that overlooked the bay. I opened the window and listened to the crashing of the waves as the tide came in, lying on the bed with my eyes closed. The smell of the water calmed me. I’d always loved the water. It gave me time to consider the coming day.
For the first time in decades, I was excited. I left the window open and fell asleep to the sound of the waves against the walls, Calla’s smile and the feel of her lips on mine in my thoughts.
Chapter Five
Calla
I jerked awake, my face feeling numb on the one side from leaning against the window of the bus. I’d caught the train out of Paris this morning and then taken a bus to get from Rennes to Mont St. Michel. I was excited to see the abbey, and the town, and I was excited to see Sen.
The bus parked in a lot, and everyone herded off the bus to get on another bus that crossed the causeway out to the island. I chose to walk, taking my time across the bridge, and within half an hour, I found myself on the Mont, looking up at the abbey. It was gorgeous, and breathtaking, even with the swarms of people all around.
Someone bumped into me, muttering an apology as he passed. I nodded and continued my gazing upward. This was beautiful. Too beautiful to be annoyed.
I walked through the narrow streets, moving along with the crowd. I stopped at one of the shops to get a bottle of water. It was just after eleven. I wasn’t supposed to meet Sen until noon. Which gave me time to wander. I cut away from the streets with all the shops and headed for the ramparts. Slowly I walked, enjoying the feel of the sun on my face, and the wind that blew from the bay bringing with it the smells of the sea. There was something magical about this place.
“Your hair is lovely in the wind,” a deep voice said behind me.
I whirled around, ready to strike whoever it was that decided creeping on my hair was a good idea, and saw Sen.
He laughed when he saw the expression on my face. “You look very fierce.”
“That’s not exactly the best way to approach someone,” I said, smiling now. “You startled me.”
“I only spoke the truth. You are lovely, and you make quite a picture, standing along the rampart wall, your hair blowing out behind you.”
The truth in his words came through, and it made me blush. I could tell because my neck was warm, and I could feel my cheeks getting warm as well. “It’s not noon yet,” I said.
“Oh, shall I leave you to explore further?” His eyebrows went up.
I looked carefully at him. He meant it. If I told him to leave, he would.
“I don’t want to intrude if you’d prefer to be alone,” Sen continued.
“No, I—no. That’s not what I was saying at all. I’m just surprised to run into you early. But not unpleasantly surprised,” I said. Jeez, I sounded like a crazy lady. This was ridiculous.
“Good. I was afraid I’d overstepped,” Sen said. “Shall we continue?” He held out his arm, and I took it.
I liked this about him—his formality. His old-fashioned manners. It was both reassuring and sexy all at once.
“The view is incredible,” I said, looking out over the bay again.
“Have you walked up the abbey?” Sen asked.
“Not yet,” I shook my head.
“Are you up for the walk? I haven’t been here in years,” he added.
“I would like that, yes,” I said.
We continued on the ramparts, making our way to the abbey. At the ticket booth, Sen bought tickets for us before I could even pull out my wallet. “You don’t have to do that,” I said.
“Yes, I do,” Sen said with a firmness that suggested he was not interested in discussion.
I decided it wasn’t worth it to fuss, but if we went to lunch, I was getting the bill.
We walked through the abbey. I loved the soaring arches in the nave. It took my breath away.
“There is something sacred about this place,” I said, looking up.
When I looked over, Sen was looking at me. “It’s beautiful,” he said.
The intensity of his gaze made me look away. My arm was still tucked in his, the touch of him making my body tingle with excitement. Every movement, every brush of his arm against me—I was on fire for him. I kept it managed by not looking into his eyes too often. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how long that would last as a tactic for me. I liked looking at him.
The room we were in had plain columns with arched ceilings. Sunlight came through the rounded windows, drawing pathways of light across the floor. I turned to Sen. “This is—” I began.
He slid an arm around my waist, bringing me close to him. His mouth came down on mine, and his lips plundered my mouth, his tongue thrusting between my lips, demanding entrance. Demanding surrender.
But what a beautiful surrender. I wrapped my arms around his neck, giving into him, into this moment, fully. Sen pressed against me, his hands coming up to thread themselves in my hair, holding me close. We backed up until I was stopped by one of the columns, and I allowed myself to melt into him.
His cock ground into me, making my core burn, and I felt the wetness between my legs. I should feel badly, I thought off in some distant area of my mind, making out like this in a church. But the desire to be close to this man, as close as possible, was too strong. It overcame any of my modesty.
“Calla,” he murmured against my lips.
“I need you,” I said, feeling the words come out of me in a cry.
“Gods, woman, I need you like the sun,” Sen muttered brokenly.
“Not here,” I whispered, conscious of the fact that we were in public. In a church. I could hear people in other parts of the abbey. Thank god we were somewhat secluded.
Sen whipped his head around, and before I could respond, he’d slid us around the back of the column we were up against, hiding us from anyone coming in. He looked at me and then laughed darkly. “No, you’re right. I don’t want to share you with anyone,” he said. He caressed my cheek.
“Oh, was that on the menu?” I asked, my mind spinning. How had he moved so fast?
He laughed again, but this time, there was humor in it. “No, it was not.”
“Good. I don’t want to share you either.”
His eyes were dark as he looked down at me. “That is the best thing I’ve heard in days.”
Now it was my turn to laugh. I took his arm, and started to walk on, trying to calm myself. My entire body was on fire with wanting Sen. What was it about him?
As we walked, I wasn’t really paying attention to whatever we talked about. All I could think about was getting some place private, somewhere that it would be just the two of us. Alone.
“I’m glad I met you,” Sen said abruptly.
“What?”
“I am glad I met you,” he said again. “I didn’t expect to meet someone who—” he stopped. His face held a haunting look; it made him look older.
“Who what?” I asked.
“Someone I enjoy as much as I enjoy being with you,” Sen said.
I didn’t think tha
t was what he meant to say, but I wasn’t going to push. I found it amazing that I’d only met him yesterday—jeez, it was only last night.
The rest of the day was wonderful. We finished walking through the abbey. While I loved the medieval architecture, what I really loved was standing at the top of the abbey and looking out over the bay that led out in the distance to the English Channel.
“I love this,” I said. I was conscious of my hair blowing all around me, like when Sen found me earlier today. I could feel every movement of him next to me, every brush of his body where it touched mine, practically every breath he took. I’d never been aware of another person like I was of Sen, not even my former fiancé.
We ate a late lunch at a place that made omelets, and I was both starving and distracted. I wanted—I didn’t know what I wanted, outside of the obvious with Sen. Being with him brought a hunger to the forefront of my being.
I was consumed. I did manage to grab the check, and while Sen looked put out, I didn’t allow that to dim my small victory.
“You are strong willed,” Sen said.
“And you’re not?” I asked.
He laughed. “Fair enough, Calla. I can’t deny it.”
“Then there’s nothing more to discuss,” I said smugly.
Sen put an arm around my waist, and we walked on together, talking, watching the sea.
At the end of the day, I knew that I had to get back across the walkway. This time, I’d need to take one of the shuttles, rather than walking across like I’d done earlier. “I have to go,” I said.
He sighed, running his hand down my back. “I want to see you tonight when you get back to Paris.”
“Come to my hotel,” I whispered, curling into him, loving the feel of his arms as they came up around me. “Room three twenty-seven.”
“I will be there,” Sen said. “Let me walk you down to the bus.” He took my hand, and we walked to the shuttle stop.
As the people swirled around us like the rush of the incoming tides, Sen cupped my cheek in his hand. “I miss you already, Calla. I cannot wait to see you this evening.”
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