Page 57 of Kiss and Spell
His chest expanded as if it were going to burst.
“Why are you saving yours, Sula?” he countered. She’d been named one of the Smitten Sweethearts but hadn’t gone on any dates with any other men or beings. He’d quietly seethed in envy of all the men who openly wanted her. He envied those who weren’t bound by magic and were free to desire her. All Xavier allowed himself was a few seconds to cherish her and he already knew it wasn’t enough.
A daring look flashed in her eyes. “I know my worth.”
Tell me the price. I will pay twice it just to taste you once.
The thought of her kiss sent a jolt of pure desire through him that nearly sent him to his knees. She leaned into him; they stood chest to chest. Body to body.
Xavier cupped her cheek. Ursula pressed her lips to his palm, then to the inside of his wrist, brushing his skin with her flower-soft touch. She shut her eyes and burrowed close to him. He studied her, the witch who could easily be mistaken for a sleeping beauty. Her face, so delicate and lovely, bathed in sunbeams and bright sky. Those full lips. Apple cheeks. Round chin. Deep eyes. He breathed in her scent; the top notes came to him immediately. Overgrown honeysuckle. Raw sugar. The unique spicy hint of natural magic that emanated from her center. He hovered right there, inches away from those lush lips, so close that her panting sweet breath brushed his beard.
With his finger, he traced a slow trail down her bare shoulder to her hand. She shivered under his attention. A rosy blush covered her exposed skin. Xavier envisioned that blush painted over her bare body in his bed. He imagined her legs spread wide, his mouth drinking every inch of her desire, and his hands caressing her core—making her body taut with pleasure. To see those eyes flutter with ecstasy and hear her trembling breath sound off in his ear.
To cry out his name and ask him for more.
That simple truth stilled his hand on her skin. Ursula deserved more. She’d want beyond the fairy tale he could spin for her. She’d want beyond the kiss that was his escape from this world. Her world. He reached up and brushed his thumb over Ursula’s lips and moved away. Her eyes snapped open, unfocused with craving. She swayed slightly, her eyes considering but unseeing. He’d done something, whether with his innate magic or his touch, to change something within her. Did remembering his name give him the power to bewitch her? Was this the enchantment at work?
No, he wasn’t going get a kiss from her.
She hugged her arms to her body. “It’s getting late. We should go.”
Xavier took her by the hand and led them out of the garden.
Once they returned to the car and drove away, a single question repeated in his brain. What would you give to possess her kiss? He’d drain the ocean and give her all the sunken treasures. He’d pick every flower in the royal gardens for her.
But he couldn’t give her forever.
The best thing Xavier could do for Ursula was to get his perfect kiss, return to the Realm, and leave her alone.
Chapter Sixteen
Saturdays were always Ursula’s favorite time to make a magical brew because she liked to start fun trouble during the weekend. Back in college, she’d always have her Sunday Funday brew ready to drink so she could recharge after turning it up at the frat parties. She wouldn’t have passed her senior art history final if she hadn’t chugged a Berry Brain Power smoothie to help her stay awake for an all-night study session. Now, ten years later, Ursula flipped through her pocket-sized spell book, trying to find one entry to help her with her current… frequent problem. The bistro was half empty, so Ursula was able to get a booth inside. She wanted to hide out for a bit from a certain prince who occupied her thoughts and—unfortunately—her dreams.
“One iced Love Potion Number Ten to go,” Gwen said cheerfully. She dropped off the reusable cup on the table in front of Ursula.
Gwen noticed the aged book in her lap. “Oooh, what are you cooking up in the kitchen?”
“I’m making up a special brew.” Ursula covered her mouth as she gave a big yawn and shook off the drowsiness.
“You look sleepy,” Gwen said. “Should I upgrade your drink to an extra-large?”
Ursula flipped another page. “No, I just need to get more rest.”
Gwen lifted a brow. “Something keeping you up at night? Or maybe someone?”
Ursula ignored her questions and took a deep sip from her drink to avoid talking too much. The intense, vibrant raspberry and lemon flavor gave her a much-needed energy boost. Every night for the last three days, whenever she went to sleep, Xavier was there to greet her with that big smile that knocked her off kilter. The dreams started out innocent enough with them doing couple-ish things like cuddling on the couch under a blanket, watching a movie, and even completing a crossword over breakfast. It was completely harmless. Then in an instant, she found herself being pulled into his arms, stripped naked and underneath him while he eased inside her with gentle, urgent movements. His curly, thick beard brushed against her thighs as he pleasured her leisurely with his mouth and hands.
Every dream ended the same way. Xavier took her face in his hands, pulled her close, and kissed her deeply. His lips brushed against hers as he spoke low with words of devotion and reverence. She shuddered as her mind replayed the dream, taunting her with its vividness.
“Is the drink too cold?” Gwen asked. “You got this strange look on your face.”
Ursula refocused on the tea-stained page in front of her. “No, it’s great. I just zoned out for a second.”
Gwen eased into the booth. “Tell me everything about your Sweetheart experience. I need details. Have you gotten your dress?”
She held back a scream. “Add another item to my never-ending to-do list. I’ll hit up Circe’s Closet and pick something out.”
Circe’s Closet was the local clothing shop where you could find everything from an extra-large JERSEY GIRL 4 LIFE T-shirt to a zebra-print dress that was great for a beach night out.