Page 10 of When the Weaver Met the Gargoyle
My heart swells at her praise. I slide off my tunic and trousers, then replace them with the party attire as I look around for the belt Plum provided.
“I’m glad to hear it,” Plum says to Laini, a smilein her voice. “It wouldn’t seem fair if someone with a crooked body like that was also cursed with a poor personality.”
I’m well used to being seen as someone cursed, but I have to admit that I’m glad Laini doesn’t join in on discussing what they believe is my twisted back. I finish putting on the fine clothing, but then I realize I don’t have my cloak.
“Laini?” I call, keeping my voice down.
But there’s no answer, and I can hear Plum chatting in the back room, likely talking to Laini. I’d have to leave the dressing room without a cloak. But if Laini could be brave with her low neckline or whatever Plum called it, I could open up a bit, too. It was just Laini and Plum, who seems nice enough. Perhaps they can be trusted to keep my secret?
I push the door open and meet them in the back room. When I clear my throat, they both turn to look, and I extend my wings a fraction. Laini’s eyes look like they’re about to pop from her skull. This was a bad idea. An absolutely awful idea.
“I didn’t get that cloak from you…” I stammer.
Chapter 5
Laini
Every thought flies from my mind, and I’m left with my mouth hanging open.
How does he look like every dream I’ve ever had in my entire life? Those horns spiraling away from his head and down toward the back of his head. That long, shiny hair as black as a raven’s feathers. Pointed ears—one glinting with a golden loop earring. And oh, those wings with the clawed tips. I can’t find any words.
Plum whistles. “Wow.” She elbows me, but I can’t tear my gaze from Rom. “That changing room must be magical.”
“Rom, you look gorgeous.” My face grows even hotter than it already was. Apparently, everythingwas getting hotter. I laugh and cover my mouth. “I had no idea you had wings.” And the face of a demon sent to lure me away from my work and into his bed.
He shifts his weight from one foot to the other. His eyes never leave my face, and I feel that look like a touch. Those eyes of his—they shine like polished coins. His clawed hands flex beside his thighs, thighs that are nicely wrapped in those tight trousers. My heart shivers with want, and my body practically melts onto the floor of the shop. If everyone knew what he looked like, they’d all be after him.
“I ask that you two keep the secret of my wings to yourself.”
“Why?” I can’t help but wonder.
Plum nods at him and then glances at me. “Because he’s an Allysium gargoyle, and a lot of folks are frightened of his kind.”
I’m an ignorant fool. “I didn’t know there were different types. I’m sorry.”
“It’s nothing to apologize for. There are so few of us now that I’m a rarity. I’ll tell you more later if you are curious,” he says.
“I am.”
I shake my head, trying to focus on somethingother than the way he looks in those trousers. They leave little to the imagination, and I’m wondering how different all his parts are from your average male creature. The urge to run a finger along the edges of his powerful, black, and gray wings nearly has me stepping closer, but I force myself to stop and face Plum.
“Do you need to pin anything?” I ask her.
Plum snickers and picks up a tiny pillow that’s shaped like an apple and stuck with numerous pins. “Don’t tempt me. He’s your date.”
Rom suddenly looks very interested in the ceiling, so I change the subject.
“Don’t forget to include the cloaks.” I gesture toward the table where I set my clothing, and apparently, the two cloaks that I forgot existed. I’d wanted to help Rom out with his desire for privacy or modesty, but I dropped the ball for sure.
“You really won’t need a cloak at the party,” Plum says around two more pins.
“But we want them. Please.”
“Those bonfires are going to keep you plenty warm, but all right. Whatever you want.”
“If we’re done here, I’ll just wait outside for you, Rom.”
Plum begins pinning the sides ofRom’s tunic as I scurry out of the back room. The crowd has thinned, but I rush out of the shop regardless. I do not want to talk to anyone about Rom or the party. I needed to keep this simple and quick. No drama. No relationships. Just friends.