“Well, thanks for that at least,” Lilly mumbled toward his back. Luc laughed, and Lilly turned on him. “What’s so funny?”
“It’s good to see someone else run afoul of my brother’s temper for a change.”
Lilly huffed and sat back down on the wall. “I’m glad somebody’s enjoying this.” The insult she’d just received grated on her nerves. “To think I’d do something like that to a sick child…”
“Sick? In what way?” Luc sat beside her on the wall.
“I don’t know, but my new talent sparked to life when he first came up to me. I’m sorry I don’t know enough about my gift to know what that means.”
“Perhaps if you talked with the Master Healer, she could give you some pointers,” Luc mused.
“I’d like that, if she’s willing. I had little time to seek counsel from the healer in Alric’s court before I left, and I’m not sure he could be of help in any case.”
Luc stood and offered his hand to her. “Then, we’ll head over to the healing hall. It’s worth seeing in any case, but perhaps, Vi has a few minutes to spare for you.”
Luc enjoyed the way Lilly fell into step beside him. Shilayla took off for a little recreational flying with her friends while Luc took Lilly through the flower gardens on the way to the healing hall. It was a romantic spot and one he didn’t plan to waste.
“I look forward to our journey together, Lilly.” Luc slowed his pace, and she met his stride, turning slightly to look up at him with those sexy, dark eyes he found so alluring.
“How will that work, exactly?”
“Shi’s big enough to carry us both. The question is, are you willing to fly?” His smile dared her.
“You’ll find there’s very little I’m not willing to try.”
“Really?”
Luc stopped short and grabbed her hand, using her momentum to pull her into his arms. When he had her locked tight against his body, he drew back just a fraction to look down into her expressive eyes. What he saw there gave him encouragement. She wasn’t pulling away, and she didn’t seem upset.
Pressing his luck, he dipped down to touch his lips to hers. When she didn’t object, he delved deeper, licking her sweet lips open and sweeping inside. She tasted like the finest honey wine, only twice as intoxicating.
Luc maneuvered her back, so she was pressed between him and the sturdy old tree at the side of the path. She made no protest as he deepened the kiss, dueling with her tongue in a battle neither really wanted to win.
How long he stood there on the path with Lilly locked in his arms, Luc never knew, but all too soon, a brittle voice pulled them apart.
“Now, is that any kind of example to set for my novices? Luc, honestly. I taught you better than that.”
He lifted his head, already feeling the heat of embarrassment in his cheeks. Of all the people to catch him necking in the park with a girl, Lady Joya had to be his last choice. She’d been his teacher as a child and still had the power to make him feel like he’d done something wrong, even when he hadn’t.
Luc stepped back, holding Lilly steady while she blinked in confusion. He was gratified to see she’d been as lost in the kiss as he had, but Lady Joya was waiting, tapping her foot in that time-honored signal of annoyance. He swallowed hard then turned to face his old teacher.
“It’s good to see you, Lady. Beautiful day, isn’t it?”
Joya regarded him with suspicion as he shielded Lilly with his body.
“Who’s that behind you, boy? Why are you hiding her? Doesn’t your grandmother approve?”
Luc sighed, stepping to the side when Lilly prodded him. Old Joya’s gasp of alarm didn’t go unnoticed.
“Hello. I’m Lilly.”
“A human?” Joya’s outrage made her rude, and Luc was surprised by the old woman’s outburst. “After what your family has been through with your brother’s foolishness. I thought you were smarter than that, Luc.”
Lilly’s chin went up, but thankfully, she didn’t respond. Joya was a very old woman and used to being the final authority in her classroom. Luc owed her respect, even if he wanted badly to shout at her for her insensitivity and tell her to mind her own business.
“Thank you for your concern, but House Adain has always been strong. It will continue to thrive regardless of what you think of my or my brother’s choice in companions. Good day, Lady Joya.”
Luc very deliberately took Lilly’s hand and strode for the healing hall at an increased pace. He heard Joya sputter behind him, but he didn’t give a damn. One more minute in her presence and he’d forget his manners. He was that angry at her comments about Det and his family.
When they rounded a curve and were out of sight of the old biddy, Luc finally slowed his pace. Lilly was very much aware that she was a stranger in a strange land, but it seemed old busybodies were as common to fair folk as they were in human towns and villages.
“I’m sorry.” Luc stopped and dropped her hand, turning to face her with serious eyes.
“Don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong.” She’d enjoyed the kiss. In fact, the first touch of his lips had made her mindless. The loss of control scared her a bit. She’d never reacted so quickly or so fully to any man in her life.
She’d liked the way he pulled her against him so decisively. She’d loved the feel of his tall, muscular body against hers. And she could easily become addicted to his kisses. His taste, his scent and the feel of him were all too alluring and too dangerous.
“But I think you should know something. I won’t be a convenience for you on our journey. I don’t share my body with just any man who catches my eye.”
Luc seemed taken aback for a second before a slow grin spread over his face. “Then, you’re saying I’ve caught your eye?”
She had to laugh at his audacity. “Don’t put words in my mouth.”
“Don’t worry, I’d much rather put something else in your luscious mouth.” A scandalous wink brought a flush of heat to her cheeks. “You kiss like a dream, Lilly. I never thought a human could be so passionate.”
“So, I’m a curiosity to you? Never been with a human, eh?” She felt hurt by his attitude but tried hard not to let it show. “We’re even. I’ve never been with an elf. And you know what? I never will be. Not if you all have that kind of piss poor attitude.”
“Lilly, sweetheart…”
“I’ve known you less than one day, Luc. You don’t have the right to call me that. In my world, that kind of familiarity has to be earned.”
Finally, her message got through. Luc pulled back, the smile leaving his face as he regarded her with measuring eyes. “As you wish, milady. The healing hall is just ahead. If Lady Vi is available, I’ll leave you in her capable hands.”
Lilly’s heart raced. She’d won her point but at what cost? She didn’t want to be at odds with this man, but she also didn’t want him to assume just because they’d be traveling together that she was an easy mark for bedmate on their journey. She valued herself higher than that.
CHAPTER THREE