Page 25 of Deadly Little Games

Crispin’s hands went under the edge of my shirt, smoothing across my bare waist, then tickling up my lower back. As the magic between us built, I could feel more of him too. Not his body, but the magic buried deep inside. I could practically taste crisp new leaves, and smell the first flowers of spring. I could feel a gentle clear brook flowing over me.

Our magic reached a crescendo and I focused on Sebastian once again. I closed my eyes as I felt the shift, though I could still see stars behind my eyelids. I knew if I opened my eyes, they would be dancing all around us. A wave of dizziness hit me and I broke our kiss, but held tightly to Crispin‘s shoulders, not wanting to lose him.

We ended up on his work table, tossing aside metal instruments and crinkling papers. I hunched over him, fingers still digging into his shoulders, afraid to move.

A silent moment passed.

“Um, Gorgeous?” Crispin’s voice seemed startlingly loud. “Not that I object to this position, but you should be aware that we now have an audience.”

I finally opened my eyes, straightening as I still straddled Crispin.

Sebastian tilted his head as he observed us, his smile just as smug as I had imagined. Elena stood a few paces behind him, eyes wide and jaw slack.

I shot off of Crispin so abruptly that I stumbled and nearly fell off the table. He gripped my arm, catching me before I could plummet face first onto the floor.

My cheeks were hot with embarrassment, but it was nothing compared to the relief I felt. I had done it. I had brought us home.

“I’m surprised it took you so long,” Sebastian said with a truly evil smile.

I balled my hands into fists as Crispin climbed off the table, taking a moment to readjust his trousers.

“Well, that was bloody brilliant.” He turned around, reaching for his journal. He picked up a pen and started scribbling notes haphazardly. “And here I thought I’d be helping you. What an experience.”

I stared at him, stunned by his quick recovery. “But I thought you’ve traveled before?”

He paused his scribbling to look back at me, completely ignoring Sebastian and Elena. “Of course, but with help.” He straightened and stepped toward me. “And those stars. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

I frowned, glancing at Sebastian.

“You can speak of it to no one,” he said to Crispin, a threat clear in his tone.

Crispin seemed taken aback. “Well obviously. And I did give dear Eva my word.” He turned back to his scribbling, a moment later finishing whatever he was writing with a flourish. He turned back around. “Eva, this is amazing. You and I together, we could really figure it out. Not that I don’t enjoy the city, but my magic isn’t half what it was back home.”

“I mostly just want to find my mother,” I muttered.

“Yes, yes.” Seeming to remember something he had forgotten, he turned back to his notes. “All in due time. I imagine locating your mother will be more simple than returning to my homeland.”

I wasn’t so sure about that, considering the elven realm would remain in one place while my mother was on the run, but I didn’t speak my thoughts out loud. Mostly, I was still just trying to wrap my mind around what I had accomplished. And I was trying to remember just exactly how I had done it.

“I have much to think on today,” Crispin continued, not noticing my hesitation. “But I’m sure I can come up with morefor tomorrow. Would you be willing to return?” He looked back and forth between me and Sebastian.

Elena had recovered enough to watch me expectantly.

“Sure, I guess.” I looked at Sebastian.

He nodded slightly, that infuriating smile still on his face.

Elena beamed at me. “I’ll show you both out.”

Sebastian turned with her, but Crispin caught my arm before I could follow them.

He lowered his voice, leaning close to my cheek. “You knew what would happen. That’s why you kissed me. Has this been happening for long?”

My blush resumed. At this point, my cheeks may as well remain permanently red. “No, not very long.”

“But just with the three you mentioned?” His blue eyes flicked toward Sebastian waiting by the door with Elena.

“Yep,” I said through gritted teeth. “Just the three I mentioned… And now you.”