Page 71 of Ringmaster

I reach for my teacup, bring it to my lips, and drain it. Placing the empty cup back on the saucer, I reply, “I’m ready.”

“Eat something,” he pleads, handing me a scone.

My eyes widen, a pastry for breakfast. I could get used to this life. When I take a bite, it melts in my mouth. Cooked to perfection, I moan.

“You like those?”

”Ilovethese. I’ve only ever had them a few times. Do you eat these everyday?“ The questions burst from my lips, but Azrael doesn’t mind.

He simply smiles along with me, basking in our shared excitement together. My heart feels like it might burst. He’s too good to be true. Just sitting with him like this—spending a morning together, waking to find him inmyroom—it’s more than I could’ve ever imagined. I’ve longed for this kind of happiness for so long.

I eat a second scone, and Azrael pours me another cup of tea. Blissfully, I curl into the chair and take a sip. “I’m ready.”

“Did you enjoy breakfast? Would you like it again tomorrow?” he asks, still sidestepping the answers I’m seeking.

“I loved it. My only request is fresh berries. Mother and I always have fresh berries from the garden.” I take another sip.

“Well then,” he says, reaching to the try and lifting the lid to a glass bowl.

Fresh berries fill the bowl. I try not to sulk as I pop a few in my mouth. It would be rude to turn them down after asking. I sigh, before finishing my tea.

“I’m full. I’m awake. And I’m ready,” I announce, waiting to see if he has another excuse up his sleeve.

He doesn’t. Reaching for me, his shadows lift me from my spot, depositing me onto his lap as his arms engulf me in an unexpected embrace. I lean into him, enchanted by the way we fit together. It simply feels right. He kisses my cheek softly, then his hand finds mine, and soon his lips are brushing against my fingers.

“Are you sure you want to know?” he asks.

“Yes. Tell me, Azrael.”

He blinks, allowing his lids to close for a few seconds longer than usual. “Promise you won’t hate me.”

“I could never hate you.” I brush his cheek with my hand, coaxing him to look at me.

When our eyes meet, a zing of electricity surges between us.

He takes a deep, forbidding breath. “We can feel each other because you’re not just a soul I own,” he sighs. “You’re my mate, Mercy.”

“Mate,” I stutter. “Like your soulmate?”

“Yes,” he answers, hanging his head.

“And you think this will upset me?” I ask, confused.

Azrael looks down at me, guilt covers his face as he murmurs, “You aren’t upset?”

“I’m not upset,” I reply.

He holds me tighter and kisses my head. “You’re the light to my darkness, “ he whispers, lips barely brushing my ear. “Thank you for accepting me, for finding a way to love a monster.”

His words shatter my heart into a thousand tiny pieces. How can he possibly see himself as a monster, when all he’s ever done is show me kindness and protect me from the horrors of this world?

“You’re not a monster, Azrael. You saved me. I love you, and I’ve always loved you.”

He nuzzles into the spot where my neck meets my shoulder, kissing me softly, and we just breathe—existing together.I could spend the entire day right here.

“Me too,” he whispers, answering my thought.

“You can hear my thoughts?” I yelp.