Lincoln grins, then he leans in closer. His mouth presses onto mine and damn, he tastes better than I remember. Our tongues slide and explore while he holds me firmly to the mat. Desire burns through me, body and soul.
Somewhere on the mansion grounds, a lightning bolt strikes the earth, followed by a deep roll of thunder. I actively ignore the fact that this is the second time lightning has struck the moment I feel strong emotion for Lincoln. Kissing him is just too good.
Nat leans over, pulling on Lincoln’s shoulder. “That’s quite enough, you two.”
The Prince rolls to the side, then we both slowly rise to our feet. Damn, damn, damn. After feeling his touch, being this far away from him almost hurts.
Nat guides Lincoln off the practice mats. “Let’s begin the lesson.” He picks up a wooden weapon from the floor, tossing it between his hands. He pauses, eyeing me closely. “You’re a little bit of hellfire, aren’t you, young Miss?”
I grin. “I hope so.”
Nat and I shift into battle stance. He shows me some basic moves, and then we slide into a rhythm of thrusts and parries with our wooden swords. After a few minutes of lusty thoughts about Lincoln, my head clicks back into battle mode. There’s nothing but challenge and counter-challenge, dodge and strike. Lincoln watches from the sidelines, his arms folded over his chest. The hours fly by.
Nat pats me on the shoulder. “That’s all the time we have, little Miss. You done well.”
“Thanks, Nat. That was great.”
He raises his meaty pointer finger in my direction. “Don’t forget to practice. An hour with the sword, every day.”
“I won’t.” Stepping across the floor, I sit with my back to the ballroom wall, panting for breath.
Nat heaves the practice mats about, stacking one onto another. Lincoln sits down beside me, his hands gripping a water bottle way too tightly. My inner battle mode instantly ends. Worry, desire, and affection duke it out inside me.
I know what’s coming now. Bad news.
“Want some water?” Lincoln tilts the tall plastic bottle in my direction.
“Yes, please.” My tail slides the water from his hand. “And thanks for setting up training with Nat. He’s amazing.”
“I’m glad.” Lincoln drums his fingers on his knees. “I asked you here for another reason as well.” His voice is low.
My breath hitches. I won’t make him do this.
“I know what you’re about to say, Lincoln.” I take a swig from the bottle, hoping some water will steady my nerves. “Walker told me about the Earl of Acca. About Adair. It’s pretty obvious why Nat’s playing chaperone today.” Lincoln was only allowed off compound with some anti-Myla protection.
“Walker told you?” The muscles along his jaw tighten. “I’m gonna kill that guy. I told him to deliver a message, that’s it. He doesn’t even know you.”
Um, actually he does. Not that I’ll get into that right now. “He was only trying to help.”
Lincoln turns to me, his eyes stretching wide with disbelief. “And you still came here today?”
“Of course, I did.” I elbow him in the arm. “Besides, Walker said you had a master plan to defeat the Earl.”
He winks. “That I do.”
“See? Nothing to worry about.” If I lose Lincoln, it won’t be to some pompous windbag who shoots crossbow bolts at a Limus demon. Sheesh.
He stares at me for what feels like a million years. “Most people crumble in front of the Earl, my parents included.” He angles his head to one side. “How are you possible?”
“I’ve wondered the same thing about you.” I curl my finger toward him. Lincoln leans in for another kiss.
From across the ballroom, Nat clears his throat. “Come on, you two.”
Lincoln chuckles. “Nat’s taking his role as chaperone rather seriously.” His mouth thins to a straight line. “There’s one more thing you need to know. For my plan to work, my people must return to Antrum immediately.”
Sadness wraps around me, heavy as a blanket. “When do you leave?”
“Next Saturday.”
I nod, processing the news. “If these are our last days together,” I straighten my shoulders, “then I want to have fun.” I wag my brows up and down. “Maybe get into some more deep trouble.”
He laughs; the sound curls my toes. “More Reperio demons?”
“No way. That’s so two weeks ago.”
“I have it.” Lincoln rises to his feet. “There’s a party Thursday night, a kind of official send-off. We could be troublesome there.” He offers me his hand.
I slide my fingers into his palm. The warmth from his skin is yummy. “Sounds like a plan.” Lincoln pulls me to my feet.
Our bodies are only inches apart now. Our hands are still entwined; neither of us is letting go.
“Excellent. I’ll have you added to the guest list.”
“Can you add my friends Cissy and Zeke too?” If I go without her, I’ll never hear the end of it.