He tossed back his drink.
Taking my time, I sipped and tapped my foot to the music. As the thumping beat finally mellowed to a softer number, I set my glass down. “Okay, this is the perfect song.”
“I’m sure it is.” He did not look happy.
“Dance with me? Please.” I twined my arms around his neck and nudged him onto the floor. “It’ll give me a chance to tell you what else your father said.”
“All right, but make it quick.” His scowl died away as he tucked me closer. “Very quick.”
“He said you were as mischievous as ten children put together, that you were difficult to keep pinned down as a child. I don’t think you’ve changed.” I pushed onto my toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. He was the one I wanted. Him, and only him.
“Is there anything else?”
“He said your mother’s ring is enchanted. Before she gave it to you, she had him cast a spell over it, one which would ensure it would find its way to the woman you would name as yours. The spell she had him create was strong. He said it was bound by the endless circle of love within it.”
“Damn it.” He gripped my waist. “My mother seriously had him enchant her ring?”
“Yes. He told me the spell.”
“Speak it.” His pale blue eyes blazed.
“Where love and destiny meet, where two hearts beat, so shall the giver adore. Where sacrifice is made, where fire and magic are laid, only one shall be restored. Her name shall be Moyer, with golden fingers and a heart so pure. Her man will bow down, and shall never go hungry before her.”
“Hell.” His chest rattled as he sucked in a long breath. “That’s one potent spell.”
“Your mother also said I was the key, and we both know who else we’ve heard that from.”
“My mother wanted us together?”
“Yes, and so do I, but do you?”
“I never wanted to leave you.” He steered me toward a darkened, secluded corner, pressed me against the wall. Trapped. Not that I minded.
“You still look angry.”
Hands planted on the wall each side of my head, he leaned in. “I’ve hated our parting. I can’t sleep, and the only food I’ve managed to eat these past three days is the roast you made me. All I see are your blue eyes when I close mine at night. I want you, but I still don’t see how this can work.”
“Neither do I, but I can’t watch you walk away again. When I was with your father, he helped me to see things clearer. He told me to wear the ring on my left hand, to accept my destiny and to bind myself to you.”
He seized my hand. “That’s what you did?”
“With my heart and soul.”
“Damn it.” His gaze was agonized. “I can’t keep denying what’s between us. I don’t want to live without you either.” The silver flared to life in his eyes. “For the girl whose heart is aligned with mine, may it always keep in perfect time. May her fighting spirit never fail, and from now and until the end of our days…may she be the woman I forever praise.”
“Oh.” What a beautiful spell. “Did you truly mean—”
“Go out with me and agree to a date. I promise right now, I’ll never be late.”
“Ah—”
“Once I start rhyming, it’s hard to stop. Once my muse is lit, it’s one that shines bright. If you ever wish me to slow or even to—”
I kissed him, and he grinned against my lips and kissed me back.
“I take back my words of release, Silvie. You’re mine and no one else’s.”
“And if you ever touch another woman, I’ll singe her.”
Hands cupping my face, he murmured, “We stick together, now and forever.”
“Deal, and I’m very good at brokering those.”
“Then I’m brokering another.” He tucked one of my curls behind my ear. “You’ve only just recovered from your injuries, and I’m exhausted. It’s time for bed.”
“Well, since you asked so nicely. My bed. Let’s go.” I had no problem with this request.
We snuck out and into the closest darkened alley. In a flash, we returned. Yay. Home.
I kicked off my heels and slung my purse onto my nightstand. “My room is your room.”
“Great.” Rolling into bed, he tipped me in with him. “My mate is my mate.”
I stroked his stubbly jaw, looking deep into his stunning eyes. “Are we really together?”
“You need more confirmation?”
“It would help.” This was real, but our words of release had been too. “Could you— I mean, could we un-release each other properly?”
“Yes. I should have suggested it. I’ll start.” His voice turned husky, as if he fought his emotions. “Silvie, you hold the other half of my soul and I, yours. I wish to be bound to you, to keep you safe and to cherish you, to give you all you desire, and…to never let you go again. It’s been a living hell without you.” He kissed me, deep and slowly.