Chapter Twelve

Sasha opened her eyes an hour and a half later, coming down from the pleasure high to see Kianso, resting on his side with his head propped in his hand, watching her.

“You’re beautiful,” he said. His fingers smoothed a line down her neck, over her collar bone and shoulder, and skipped along her arm.

She stretched like the cat shifter she was, satisfied, happy, and bone-limp. “Mmm. You’re talented.”

He tipped his head down and kissed her. “Shall we go for round two?”

Abruptly she realized she’d forgotten about time. The one thing she so carefully monitored had totally left her brain. She placed a palm on his chest, pushing him away. “The time?”

She looked across his magnificent body as he fell back onto the mattress—a golden god, stretched out on the bed beside her—as her gaze darted to the bedside clock. Seven. Her stomach rumbled.

He rolled to his side of the bed and stood. “Okay. I’ll go rustle us up some dinner while you shower. How does that sound?”

Sasha rose on the other side, dragging the sheet with her. She faced him, with the expanse of the bed between them, and marveled at how magnificent he looked standing there in all his naked glory. “Delicious.” She smiled wickedly.

He raised a brow and the muscle in his jaw worked, as if he were fighting for control.

She gave a throaty laugh and then turned toward the bathroom, forcing herself not to glance back as she heard the swish of his clothes behind her.

* * *

A smorgasbord of leftovers greeted him when he opened the refrigerator. He took several boxes out and set them on the counter along with some plates. He would allow her to make her own selections and then reheat their food in the microwave. Not fancy, but it would work.

Sasha exited the bedroom with her chin-length hair damp and finger combed. She looked fantastic. Their lovemaking had been impromptu and intense. He sensed her need to feel completely alive and connected. And he was glad he was there for her to turn to.

“I hope you’re hungry. I think we have enough leftovers. The restaurants were very generous in the portions,” he said.

“I think I’ve worked up an appetite.”

He gave a low laugh. “Indeed.”

She walked right into his open arms and kissed him. “Make your selections and I’ll bring it to you.”

She pointed to the Guillermo’s boxes. “That’ll do.”

“Good. I’ll have the same.” He kissed her forehead. “How ’bout we eat in the living room?”

She nodded. “Okay.”

He let go of her, even as his fingers itched to pull her back, and watched the enticing sway of her hips as she strolled to the sofa. Her fluid strides made him envision the feline shifter in her. She curled up on the leather couch to wait for him.

A few minutes later the ding of the microwave told him their dinner was warm and ready. Just like him. But there wouldn’t be time for what he had on his mind. No, she needed her nourishment while she had the chance.

He made a tray for them, carried it into the living room, and took a seat beside her. She leaned curled up beside him while they ate. The sofa had been the perfect choice. Nothing in between them. Sasha draped one long leg over his.

When they finished eating, he set the containers aside and placed his arm around her shoulders. She rested her head against him. This is where he wanted her to stay, forever. Right by his side.

If only this dreadful curse were gone.

And what if Halloween came and they couldn’t fix things? Then what? He tried to control his breathing so he wouldn’t let on how much the thought tore him up inside.

“Thank you for today,” she said huskily, and then she changed into a parrot right before his eyes.

He immediately placed his hand down for her to step upon and then set her on his chest. “You’re welcome.” He was quiet for several moments, thinking of the challenges before them, then said, “I have to go home tomorrow and back to work.”

She didn’t say anything, but turned her head away, looking out the window.

“Do you want to come with me, or stay here in Nocturne Falls?” He rushed on trying to sound unconcerned. “Whatever you choose, I can return on the weekends.”

“I don’t want to be a burden.”

“You won’t be. I work during the day. You are welcome to hang out wherever you choose.”

“I don’t know.”

He wished he could read her better when she was in bird form.

She tilted her head. “Caroline has been so kind to take me in. She’s used to dealing with all sorts of animals. It’s not the same for you.”

“Come home with me,” he urged more adamantly. “I have a plan to get Lilly to Nocturne Falls for Halloween. Trust me.”