Chapter Eighteen

Leo sat in the back of the dark car, watching Eina yawn in the seat next to him. She’d just awoken from a restless night’s sleep on the Monstrana private jet. They’d spent the last half of a day on a long flight overseas.

“Are you sure they’re going to want to meet with me?” Eina turned her dark eyes toward him.

Her long hair was still mussed from sleeping in the jet’s private luxury bedroom. She’d taken just enough time when they arrived to slip into one of her hundreds of pairs of dark jeans and a soft pink blouse.

Once she’d moved into the castle, she’d discovered her love for human clothes. Leo had never seen a closet stuffed so full of outfits. It had been her dirty little secret for months, until he visited her room one day and found the closet door too stuffed to close. He’d never forget the way her cheeks had flamed bright red in embarrassment. Even now, he chuckled just thinking about it.

With her messy hair, the little creases from the jet pillow still indented across her cheek, and her sleepy little yawns, Leo thought she looked more beautiful than ever. His hands shook with the effort not to take her into his arms and add to the messiness of her hair. This wasn’t t

he right time or place. They were on a mission.

“Vik specifically asked for you, shark bait,” Leo said, his lips twitching with a smile. “No one can do this better.”

Eina had already been in her role as ambassador for two years and she was magnificent at it. Like a fish to water, he thought with an internal chuckle.

“But water nymphs?” Eina peered out the blackened windows of their town car. They’d been tinted so dark, it was impossible to see anything except for the occasional looming building they passed. “They’re a different breed than mermaids. I’ve never met one myself. I should’ve brought Cascade. She’d know what to say to break the ice.”

“All Vik needs is for you to spin your magic and help us negotiate a treaty with the water nymphs,” Leo said, sliding across the black leather seat until he was able to put his arm around her. “Don’t stress yourself out. I’m sure you’re going to have a wonderful time.”

“Maybe...” She bit her lower lip and squinted her eyes at the darkened windows. “I just wish we could see where we were going. I’ve never been to Germany before.”

“Don’t worry. It’s not much to look at,” Leo replied, suppressing a grin.

He’d been planning this trip for months now. Eina wouldn’t see it coming—not if he could play it straight. He just had to think of this as another poker game. Sure, he’d pretty much given up poker since his run-in with Earl and his ogre brothers, but it was like riding a bicycle. He needed to maintain the suspense and keep her in the dark.

“Leo.” She reached for his hand and interlaced her fingers with his. “Thank you for coming with me to this meeting. I know you probably had better things to do than fly halfway across the world to watch me sweet-talk some new tribe of supernatural creatures.”

“There’s nothing better than spending time with you.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, inhaling the sweet, salty scent of her hair. “And besides, I didn’t want to miss the look on your face.”

She looked up at him, confusion wrinkling her forehead. “Look on my face? What is that supposed to mean?”

All Leo could do was flash a dimpled smile. The vehicle pulled to a slow stop and they could hear the driver get out of his seat. Eina gazed into his eyes, questions flashing in her dark irises. The door to her side opened, spilling light and the soft tinkle of music into the back seat.

“We’ve arrived, my love.” Leo kissed the tips of her fingers and nodded toward the door. “Go and see.”

Her mouth curved into an amused grin, but she didn’t question him any further. She slid out the door and Leo followed closely behind. Her reaction was exactly what he’d been hoping for. She stood and took in the scenery, her pretty mouth opening into a shocked expression. As she clutched his hand tighter, he could feel her trembling.

“Leo, this isn’t Germany.”

“No, no it’s not.” He could barely contain his grin. “Welcome to Paris. It’s been waiting for you.”

He allowed his gaze to break away from her captivating face and roam the expansive green lawn, up to the Eiffel tower lit up with the most beautiful white lights. It winked at the lovers, as if to say hello. Beyond that, the city of Paris was alive with the spattering of colorful lights and noises. A soft breeze caressed their faces, bringing with it the scent of flowers, cut grass, and freshly baked bread.

“Leo.” Eina pressed a hand to her mouth and took a hesitant step forward. “Is this really Paris?”

“None other than the city of love.” He wrapped his arm behind her waist. “You said you’ve always wanted to visit. So, here we are. Rodrigo managed to pull some strings so that the Eiffel tower is all ours for the night.”

“You’re amazing.” She tore her eyes away from the sight and pressed herself into his arms. “I can’t believe you did this for me. That you pulled this off.”

“Eina, I thought it would’ve been obvious by now.” The left side of his mouth twitched in a devilish grin. “Kidnap me, torture me, and feed to the sharks. I’d still do anything for you. You’ve got me hooked.”

She hit him playfully on the shoulder, but her eyes smoldered with an unsaid desire. He dipped down and pressed his lips to hers, sighing as he inhaled her scent and tasted her sweet mouth. There was nothing better than spoiling his mermaid. She so seldom allowed him the pleasure.

“You really shouldn’t have,” she said, pulling away with a shy smile, “but I’m so glad you did. I love you, Leo.”

“I love you, too, shark bait.”

Tags: Lacy Andersen Monstrana Paranormal Romance Paranormal
Source: readsnovelonline.net