Page 92 of Wicked Bonds

So why were they remembering now? Because he could link to her mind as a result of Vera’s rune? Or was this an entirely different mindfuck, one meant for them to think they’d been together before when, in reality, they hadn’t?

What would be the purpose of such a thing?

To distract them, perhaps?

He wasn’t sure, but he intended to find out.

As did Leela.

He could hear the determination in her thoughts as she finished putting on the dress he’d had delivered for her. It wasn’t white like the one from the memory, but a long-sleeved navy ensemble that would flirt with her calves. A pair of black knee-high boots would complete the outfit.

No panties.

No bra.

Because they both knew she wouldn’t wear them anyway.

Just as he wore nothing beneath his black trousers. He’d paired them with an off-white button-down that he’d left unfastened at the neck and intended to add a dark sports jacket.

It was just after eight in Venice, making it the perfect time to find dinner.

They hadn’t made a reservation, as the whole point of this venture was to see where their minds took them.

He waited at the bottom of the back stairs for Leela, her boot heels clicking softly against the wood as she descended.

His lips curled as she came into view. Her perky breasts were beautifully on display with the tight fabric, giving him a tantalizing view of nipple. It was still modest enough for them to venture out, but the perfect tease to distract him and anyone else who looked her way tonight.

Truly a goddess, he marveled, the sense of déjà vu settling over him once again. Because he’d thought that about her countless times before, and not just today.

Not just yesterday.

Not just in Brazil.

Butbefore.

The question waswhen?

Leela’s thoughts mimicked his as she recognized the heat in his gaze. She’d seen it before.Long, long ago, she whispered to herself.

He held out his hand for hers. She accepted, sending another shock wave of familiarity through him. He didn’t comment on it, because she felt the same electricity throbbing through her veins, provoking a memory she couldn’t fully grasp.

Balthazar brought her hand to his lips, brushing a kiss over the knuckles, then tucked her arm beneath his as he led her through the house and toward the front door.

They wouldn’t go far.

However, it also might be for the best. He’d hate to compromise another of the Elder homes to the Seraphim.

Although, if they saw Leela and Balthazar together, they’d realize they weren’t Jay and Lizzie. Which could ruin the whole chase.

Fortunately, they had at least seven hours before that would happen, thus giving them time to decide how to proceed.

“You’ll sense them if they arrive sooner, right?” Balthazar asked before opening the front door.

“I should,” she replied. “But honestly, nothing feels certain anymore. Did you warn Luc?”

“I told him we had to move earlier than expected again and that his security system saved us. But this place is a bit different. We’re much closer to humans here, with mortals living all around us. The place in Japan is a lot more secluded.”

She nodded. “Venice is going to make it harder for them to track us. Except, it’s similar to Melbourne.”