Page 49 of Bride of the Fae Duke

Which was for the best, really. It was the last thing in the world Nellie wanted to say.

‘I …’ she stammered, and then faltered, overcome by too many contrasting reflexes at once – laughing, gasping, unladylike crying. ‘Good gracious, Othrys. I’ve never evenkissedyou.’

He was already standing.

One large hand cupped her cheek. The other hooked around her nape. She had a single thought ofwaitandnot hereandwhat if they see us, and then his lips were on hers, fierce and tender at once, and damn it all, if anyone came ambling by, they might as well enjoy the show …

Because he felt like a dream.

He feltbetterthan a dream.

She knotted her fingers into his hair. Came up on her toes and met him instinctively, melting into a touch that was familiar and new at once – a body she knew, but unrestrained now, unguarded, and so sweetly, beautifully alive.

Hers.

Forever.

And she knew then, as his lips promised her again and again, that magic did exist.