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I’m not being conceited, I heard from Andrya that he was stalking the apartment the other day. I believe in laying my cards on the table when I can, so that no one gets hurt. Hopefully it’s not too late for that.

We’re walking through the market now, and snowflakes are falling intermittently from the sky as we explore. Even though I’m cold, this is absolutely worth it. The tinkling of windchimes, the scent of clean air, even the sound of the ground as I walk. I won’t ever take anything for granted.

“Doing good?” Kenzo asks, walking next to me as I see a stall I want to go look at. Every corner of this outdoor market has something to see or eat. I’ve already had a meat pie, a donut, and the most delicious lemon square. In fact, I don’t think I’ll be hungry for a real meal at this rate. I ignored Gray’s knowing smirk as I ate the lemon square earlier, too. He can’t complain if I’m at least enjoying everything I’m putting into my tummy.

“I am.” I grin happily. “I haven’t really been out of the city much, so this is a treat. I love being outside because the demands of my life don’t allow for it.”

“That’s the most diplomatic way of saying you’re a prisoner of the dictates of others that I’ve ever heard,” Kenzo mutters under his breath as we arrive at the stall.

He’s right, but we have ears listening to us now. I smile at the older woman who is working at this shop. “Hi,” I say brightly. “The bright colors you have at your stall called to me. They’re beautiful.”

The woman grins with a nod. She has black hair with white streaks through it, and it’s pulled back into a thick braid. The bright fabrics appear to be skirts, scarfs, and even knit hats and mittens.

“Ohh, this purple is really pretty. Winter wants to come early, I think.” I sigh as I lift a pretty scarf up. It’s woven from wool, and so warm. I may be in love. Shit, I didn’t bring cash, and I don’t know if she takes credit cards. Do I even want to use Cinder’s card here?

“It’s just a scarf,” the woman laughs. “Why are you thinking so hard?”

“I alway think too hard.” I sigh. “I bought a new wardrobe recently, and completely forgot to pick up scarves or mittens.”

“Then let’s get you some. My treat,” Kenzo says, squeezing my elbow.

“I couldn’t,” I deny. “I have money, I’m just overthinking things.”

“When someone offers to buy you a gift and their heart is in the right place, you should accept it,” the woman says gently.

I nod, biting my lip, because she’s right. I know she may just want to make a sale, but if I had a grandparent, I’m sure they’d tell me the same thing. My mother said that her parents died before I was born, and she doesn’t speak to my father’s parents.

“Thank you,” I amend, a smile twitching at my lips because I feel ridiculous for having trouble accepting a gift. Kenzo isn’t out to get me, and I feel fairly certain about this. I’ve had such bad luck trusting people that I find myself paralyzed when I need to make decisions.

“It’s my pleasure, Mistress,” he murmurs. “I want to do this. Which pair of mittens would you like? The temperatures will only continue to plummet.”

“It’s true, it’s odd to see snow so soon. The weekend markets may have to be paused if this is the trend that will continue through the winter,” the woman frets, rubbing at her face.

I glance at Kenzo, who inclines his head to me. I take this as him agreeing to whatever I need to do next. Together, we choose scarves for Andrya and all of the guys, and even a gorgeous chunky loop blanket for our bed. Our arms are overflowing with bags as we leave her stall, her mouth dropped open in shock and gratitude.

“I’ll find a way to pay you back,” I giggle as we step away with our haul. “I went a little overboard.”

“You heard the worry in her words,” Kenzo corrects me, brow raised as we walk to the car to drop off the evidence of my sympathy.

“I’ve been seeing how hard things are, and her business is affected by the weather since it’s outside.” I sigh.

Opening the trunk to the car, he places a few of the bags inside, waiting for me to do the same. He doesn’t move back, so my back is to his front as I place my bags in.

“Mistress,” Kenzo murmurs, his face hovering over my shoulder.

“Yes, Pet?” I ask, my voice filled with something that I don’t want to identify. My stomach feels as if it’s dropping, and I feel slightly unbalanced, yet not in a bad way.

“You smell so good. How is it that you smell like sunshine when there’s not any today?” he asks in bewilderment. The guys tell me I smell like sunshine and jasmine, but I don’t know how it’s possible either.

“I don’t know,” I whisper, turning my neck to give him more access to it. I am terrible and haven’t put my new scarf on yet. So Kenzo places a kiss on my throat. His lips are cold and I shiver with a small whimper.

“What do you need, Mistress?” he whispers.

“More,” I breathe. We’re away from the main street where the market is, but I’m wearing my tracker anklet, so I’m not worried about anyone searching for me. They’ll be able to see where I am.

My hair is down my back in curls, so Kenzo’s fingers tangle in them to angle my head so he can kiss me. The moment his lips meet mine, I want more. His lips are firm, insistent, and questioning.Do I want more?I part my lips in answer, and his tongue brushes mine.

There’s this anticipation and excitement as he kisses me, and my body bows back against his request for more.