Chapter Thirty-Six
Reunion
They held each other for several precious seconds. Hands pressed to backs, until their breathing slowed and their racing hearts calmed. Yulen ran his fingers through her black locks and smiled as he reared back slightly.
“You look bewitching with black hair.” He lifted a curl to his nose and sniffed. “What is that smell?”
“Which one are you talking about? The tannic acid or the smoke?”
“Ah.” He chuckled. “Tannic acid. I remember now. So my Missy Sparkle has returned.”
She lifted her face for his kiss. In the corner of her eye, standing a few yards away, she spotted Paxton with his back to them. His presence was obvious, and welcome. He was standing guard to give them this moment of privacy.
Hesitantly, they broke their embrace, and Yulen noticed her right
