Page 27

“Perfect,” Farley said and held the door open for me. “The inn keeps changing my clothes. Do you think it considers me to be an innkeeper too?”

I couldn’t stop the giggle. “Or maybe Jezel just likes playing dress-up. She sees you as the male doll I’m currently playing with.”

“Is that a metaphor? Because I would love to play with you. Though I think it would be more fun if we played with each other.”

“Well, I’m not a genius like you,” I said, grinning at him. “But I would sincerely like to confirm your theory.”

Farley stopped me from moving deeper into the kitchen. He backed me against the counter and lifted me until I sat on it. His strength continually amazed me. It also made me weak. When he stepped between my legs, I kissed him without holding back.

I was tired of waiting. I could tell he was tired of waiting too.

When I groaned into his mouth, Farley tore his mouth from mine and bent his face to my neck. Every hair on my body stood at attention as his fangs scraped against my throat.

Purple glitter exploded in the air around us. I threw back my head to get him to move lower.

Until I heard coughing...

We yanked apart to look at the source of the cough. Farley stayed where he was and roared in rebellion. When recognition hit, he sobered.

I covered my face with a hand to keep from laughing in horror. Two more minutes and Farley might have had me naked. Damn you, Carol. She’d pussy-blocked me. Between her and Jezel, Farley and I would never make it to bed.

A deeply frowning Farley cleared his throat. “Sorry for roaring at you, Auntie Carol. I... we weren’t expecting anyone.”

Carol had the grace to look embarrassed. She covered her eyes with both hands and shook her head. “No, no, Farley. I’m the one who should be apologizing. You’re a grown bear, and I should have sent a text before popping in uninvited and startling you.”

“It’s okay,” he said quickly. “I’m sure you had a good reason.”

Not that her interrupting me mattered like it should have, I wanted to add with all the snark I possessed. She might be The Baba Yaga, but that didn’t give her the right to pop into my life whenever she pleased.

Noting the blush climbing Farley’s face, I gently pushed him away until he no longer rested between my thighs. His rebellious growl expressed how we both felt. I sighed and patted his jaw.

“You owe me, Yo Baba Rude Yaga. After dealing with the fairy army and Ethan, we were celebrating and got a little carried away.”

Carol covered her eyes and moaned. “I’m truly sorry, Selene. I swear I’m not torturing you on purpose.”

“So you say,” I said, crossing my arms. “I’m not convinced.”

Carol dropped her hands and blew out a breath. “I came to warn you that Lady Meagan escaped her cell.”

I smacked my forehead. “How in effing hell did that happen? Something needs to be fixed at that stupid prison. People are always escaping.”

Carol shook her head. “Stop exaggerating. It’s only been one or two. In this case, Lady Meagan bribed a guard. We caught the guard, but not Lady Meagan.”

“Ethan just got sentenced to a fairy prison for a month. I don’t think even his mother can get him out. He lied about why Prince Robin was staying here. After I took the army’s weapons and refused to fight, Prince William figured out Ethan was lying to him.”

Carol’s sigh was loud. “Have you resolved the prince’s curse yet?”

I looked at Farley. “I warded the grounds, but Ethan’s mother got through the wards last time. Someone needs to warn Princess Peace and Prince Robin that Lady Meagan might show up. Also, Prince Robin needs to know his brother came by to check on him and that I sent word to his mother that he was fine. Can you tell them?”

“Yes, I can do that. I think I have my urge to maul him completely under control now. I don’t feel it at all whenever Peace is with him,” Farley said with a fanged smile.

I ignored Carol watching. “I’m really sorry we got interrupted again.”

“Me too,” he said with a little growl.

His clothes changed again while the three of us watched. He looked down at himself in surprise. “I’ve never worn a custom suit before. I usually borrow one of Dad’s. Garrison is going to love this outfit.”

I giggled. “You look far more handsome than Prince Robin, but don’t tell him I said so. It might hurt his feelings.”