Page 31 of Kissing Potions and Elves

Even so, that hasn’t stopped me from mooning over him these past few months.

My chest tightens as I glance at his handsome profile in the moonlight. What if he regrets this closeness once we break the spell? What if, without magic compelling him, he sees me only asa human distraction? The idea hurts more deeply than I want to admit.

I push down my troubling thoughts as sudden unease raises the hair on the back of my neck. Shadows twist and shift beneath the trees as something rustles in the bushes. Immediately, I halt in my tracks. “What was that?”

Lyrion stops abruptly beside me, peering into the darkness. “Probably just a rabbit or some other small creature,” he replies calmly. “Nothing to worry about, Isobel.”

Even so, I edge a bit closer to him, worry prickling my flesh as I keep my eyes trained on the sides of the path. “I don’t like the dark,” I mumble more to myself than to him.

He snaps his fingers and a glowing blue orb hovers above his palm, lighting the space around us. He turns to me. “Is this better?”

“Much.”

“I forget that humans cannot see well in low illumination.”

“Elves can?”

Without warning, a dark shadow zips through the bushes beside me. Raw panic surges through my veins, and I fling myself into Lyrion’s arms, scrambling up his body, wrapping my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck.

“What is it?” he asks sharply, immediately drawing me protectively against his chest, his strong arms locking firmly around me as his gaze scans our surroundings for danger. “What did you see?”

“A shadow,” I barely manage, my heart hammering. “Something big.”

After a moment, his shoulders relax. “It’s just a fox, Isobel,” he murmurs. “You’re safe.”

“Oh, stars.” Embarrassment heats my skin as I cling to him. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean…”

My apology trails off as I tilt my head up and find Lyrion’s face close to mine, his violet eyes dark and heated. My heart flutters at his intense expression.

“Isobel.” His voice is low and husky. His gaze dips to my mouth, full of hunger as he backs me against a tree.

The air is charged between us, the heat of his body and his masculine scent enveloping me, sending sparks dancing across my skin.

Gods help me, he’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.

“Lyrion.” His name leaves my lips in a breathless whisper.

My pulse pounds as he lowers his head and closes the space between us, capturing my mouth in a searing kiss. His powerful body presses firmly against mine and I melt into him, tangling my fingers in his silken hair as I pull him closer.

Abruptly, he breaks our kiss, leaving me breathless and panting as he lowers me to my feet. His breathing is ragged as he pulls away, his eyes dark and full of conflict.

“Stars above, I cannot keep losing myself like this,” he mutters, raking a frustrated hand through his hair. “This blasted potion is making us both lose our senses. I shouldn’t be drawn to a human in this way.”

His words hit me like a physical blow and I take a small step back, hugging myself tightly as humiliation floods my veins.

His eyes snap to mine, full of shame. “Isobel, forgive me. I didn’t mean—”

“No, you’re right.” I struggle to keep my voice even. “I understand. You never wanted this.”

“Isobel.” Regret lines his features. “That’s not what I—”

“It’s okay,” I lie. “You’re right.”

He blows out a frustrated breath. “We just need to break this spell. So that everything can go back to normal.”

I nod. But as we walk home in silence, my heart aches bitterly at the thought. Because normal means no more stolen kisses,no more tender glances, no more breathtaking moments when his arms wrap around me, holding me as though I’m something precious and cherished.

And stars help me, even though it’s only been a few days, I don’t want things to go back to normal.