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I moved closer.

She tilted her head, looking up at me.

"Do you know what I've been wanting to do since we left the ballroom?"

"I have a few ideas."

She placed her bag on the console and slipped both hands around my neck.

"Then you can tell me whether this was one of them."

She kissed me.

I caught her at the waist, pulling her against me as her fingers slid into my hair. The movement brought a deep, satisfied breath from her, and I opened my wings enough to make room around us.

The long feathers cast shifting shadows across the walls.

Everly's hands traveled over my shoulders, then down my chest, lingering on the dark markings she'd admired earlier.

I bent to kiss the side of her neck. She tipped her head to give me better access, and I felt her fingers tighten against my skin.

A low, pleased sound escaped her.

I wanted to hear a great many more.

When I lifted my head, she was looking toward the bedroom.

She moved her hands down my arms, taking my right hand in hers.

"Come with me."

There was no hesitation in her voice.

I followed her through the doorway as she carried her bag to the bedside table.

Two brass lamps illuminated the bedroom's ivory linens and charcoal coverlet. The high ceiling gave my wings room, and beyond the tall windows, the harbor lay dark beneath the moon.

My wings had room to extend without brushing the furniture, although I kept them partly folded while I approached her.

She reached up and touched the edge of my black mask.

"Will you keep this on?"

"If that's what you want."

She nodded, smiling.

"I like the mystery."

I covered her hand with mine and kissed her fingers.

"Then it stays."

Everly stepped closer, pressing herself against me.

"Good. Because there's something else I'd like you to keep doing."

I lowered my mouth toward hers.