Not that I would mind Edward seeing me.
The thought embarrasses me and a flush creeps over my skin.
“Doing okay?” Luther asks, and I realize I’ve stopped halfway up the ladder. Edward seems to be biting back a chuckle and I know he understands exactly what’s happening right now. He might be able to scent my arousal with his fairy powers, but I have the same exact power. Our mutual powers can be used for good or evil, but right now, I’m irritated that he’s laughing at me.
Evil it is, then.
“I’m fine,” I say to Luther, and I keep climbing. Once I’m nearly at the top of the ladder, only Edward can see me. He’s holding the base of the ladder and he looks up at me. I glance down at him to be certain he’s watching, and then I wiggle my bottom as I climb, watching him as I do. I’m very aware of how his eyes dilate when I move.
And I love it.
I love that I’m having this effect on him.
I love that I’m making him bite back excitement.
I love it.
I’m enjoying the moment so much, in fact, that I forget to grab the next rung of the ladder and I slip. Before I can grab the rung and save myself, I’m falling. I tumble through the air until I land steadily in Edward’s arms. Embarrassed and excited, I look up at him.
“Hmm,” Luther says, turning back around. “This ladder seems to be a little unstable. Perhaps I should go first and make sure the house is still sturdy enough. Perhaps I can work some magic to solidify these old floors.” He mutters as he climbs up and then disappears out of sight.
Edward is still holding me, still looking at me.
“Pretty little fairy,” he murmurs, stroking my cheek.
“Am I?” I whisper. No one has ever called me that before.
He nods, and I lean into his touch. I love the way his rough hands feel against my skin. His palms are calloused and worn from years of getting his hands dirty. I expected his hands to be soft, but apparently Edward isn’t as scared of hard work as most castle dwellers are.
“And a naught little fairy,” he says.
“Me?”
“You.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I whisper, blinking innocently. Edward leans down and brushes his lips against my ear.
“Careful, naughty fairy,” he says. “Or you’re liable to get spanked.”
I swallow hard and my core flares with excitement. Every part of my body feels like it’s suddenly on fire and right now, I want nothing more than him. All of him. I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want Edward right now and I don’t know what to do with this feeling. I look up at him and gasp when I see the heat in his eyes.
Oh yes, he wants me, too.
And we’re about to be locked away in a secret house with Luther, of all people, for the night.
“All clear, my dears,” Luther calls out, breaking the spell.
“Be right there,” Edward says. He sets me down and grabs me, pulling me close. Then, silently, he brings his lips to mine. He kisses me hard. His hands are in my hair, guiding me and holding me tight. He owns me, dominating my mouth, and when he finally pulls back, I’m breathless.
I look up at him and my mouth forms a little “o.”
I don’t know what to do now.
I’ve never been kissed like that before.
“There’s more where that came from, fae,” he murmurs. “So I suggest you be a good girl and go upstairs.”
I turn without a word and silently climb the ladder.