She couldn’t ignore the guilt any longer. She’d known her friends would worry, but she’d sought out Lazarus, anyway, desperate to regain her memory...secretly hoping to create new ones.
All for nothing! He dislikes me.
Great! Bitterness frothed alongside the guilt.
“I told the little monsters they’re fools,” Viola said. “Because I’m smart. The smartest one here, no question.”
Urban flipped her off.
“Oh, how sweet. You’re my number one fan.” The goddess patted the top of his head. “That’s not exactly a shocker, kid. I’m everyone’s favorite.”
The self-love sprang from the demon, so Cameo wouldn’t castigate her.
She motioned for the children to cover their ears. As soon as they obeyed, she said, “Where have you been? One day you were safe at home, the next you were gone, a note on your pillow. Don’t wait up.” She notched a fist on her hip. “Why did you return to the spirit realms?”
“Maybe I get better cell service here.” Viola gave her hair another fluff, a silver ring glinting on her finger. “Maybe my real friends are here.”
“I decided we’re besties. Deal with it.”
Viola waved a hand in front of Cameo’s face. “You really know how to bring down the vibe, don’t you?”
She nodded. Truth was truth.
Lazarus stepped between them, a muscle jumping beneath his eye. “A ball gag would make an excellent lip gloss for you, goddess.” Fury crackled in his tone.
Uh, what had gotten him so worked up?
Viola wiggled her perfectly plucked brows. “Is that an invitation, warrior? Because I accept.”
Oh, no she didn’t.
A dark, gnarled limb sprouted through the chambers inside Cameo’s heart, growing from a root of envy. Despite the presence of Narcissism, Viola exuded a normal woman’s sensuality. She could flirt and charm with abandon and happiness was hers for the taking—and the giving! She could give a fierce man like Lazarus what Cameo could not—untainted pleasure.
Rethinking our friendship...
Ever heaved a disgruntled sigh. “Earmuffing is getting old.”
Urban tapped his foot, impatient.
Cameo held up her index finger, requesting another minute. Glaring at Lazarus, she asked, “Is Viola in the running for your wife?”
Viola said, “Yes. Of course. I’m in everyone’s running.”
He snorted. “Say the word, and I’ll gladly introduce her to the end of my sword. And before your raging jealousy decides I’m bluffing in an effort to hide my desire for her, know that I burn for one woman, only one, and she is a black haired, silver-eyed vixen.”
The limb in Cameo’s heart shrank, the root catching flame. Her knees trembled. Lazarus might not like her, but he desired her. No, he burned for her.
Breathless, she said, “We need to get the children to the portal.” The sooner the better. Maddox and Ashlyn had to be agonized by the loss of their children. “How far must we travel?”
“Three days in the opposite direction. We’ll return to the palace and head out at first light.”
“But—”
“You don’t want the munchkins in the forest at night,” Viola interjected. “Trust me. I’m surprised the plants haven’t tried to eat us already.”
Lazarus’s chest puffed up with pride. “The plants fear me. With good reason.”
Gorgeous warrior. His strength tantalized and tempted her. I burn for him right back.
I’m doomed, remember? He’s not for me.
As their group motored forward, Lazarus said to Viola, “Where’s your pet?” His gaze slid to Cameo. “Princess Fluffy—whatever gnawed off my hand at our first encounter.”
“Did you retaliate?” she asked.
Urban and Ever burst into tears, and Cameo withered. Right. The two were no longer covering their ears. Better zip her lips.
Lazarus flicked the children an irritated glance. As if he were protective of Cameo’s feelings. Had to be a misinterpretation on her part.
“I could have retaliated,” he said. “Quite easily. Instead, I chose to forgive the slight.”
Her brow knit with confusion. “Why?” Forgiveness clearly wasn’t his thing.
“My reasons are my own.”
“And probably manillogical. Meaning ridiculous,” Viola said. “As for Fluffy, he’s chasing a hideous beast who’s been following me for weeks. A fun game of hide-and-seek.”
The children decided to play a game themselves, throwing and catching a small rock. Urban threw it first, flames erupting from the ends of his fingers.
Ever possessed the opposite ability. She sprouted ice, dousing the flames.
They were opposites in many other ways, but they were also two halves of a whole, complete only with each other.
Oh, to have a devoted partner in crime.
Cameo’s gaze slid to Lazarus, and lingered on the bulge of his biceps. One small vein glinted silvery white in the moonlight. The desire to touch registered a split second after she’d already reached out.
Without turning in her direction, he captured her wrist, his long, strong fingers forming a hot brand and unbreakable shackle. As electricity arched between them, her heart galloped, a racehorse headed for an invisible finish line.
A low growl rose from his chest, echoing through the trees. Birds took flight, squawking in protest, and leaves wrinkled as they drew back.
“No touching in public.” Lazarus released her.
“Why?” Minutes ago, he’d said he wanted her. Now she wasn’t allowed to caress him in front of other people?
He’s embarrassed of you. Misery cast a dark shadow over her thoughts and wrapped her in sorrow.
The tears she’d so often caused in others welled in her eyes, but she blinked them back.
His spine rigid and his stride long, Lazarus moved ahead to claim the lead. Cameo and the others followed him through the rose garden, past the statues she’d admired earlier and into the palace. The children stopped playing, stopped laughing.
Her misery was already spreading, affecting those around her. The knowledge only added to her sorrows.
Viola threw open her arms and shouted, “I’m here at last. Drink me in.”
Lazarus
