Page 24

While she changed, I pulled on my trousers and gathered the pillows into some semblance of order. My mask was still in place, its narrow ribbons secured behind my head.

When she emerged from the bathroom, her dress was back in place, her gold heels were on her feet, and she'd gathered her hair over one shoulder. She carried her halo, ivory-and-gold mask, and evening bag in one hand.

She looked up at me with a smile.

"I'm afraid I need a little assistance."

I crossed the room.

She turned to show me the fastening on one of her small wings, which had twisted beneath the fabric at her back.

I adjusted it carefully, securing the clip without pulling against the satin.

"That should hold."

She turned toward the mirror and studied the result.

"Perfect. Thank you."

I stepped behind her, resting my hands lightly against her hips.

Our reflections filled the tall mirror: Everly in ivory satin and gold, me standing behind her with my black wings rising above both our shoulders.

She smiled at the sight.

"We look like we belong in a very scandalous painting."

"I'd hang it somewhere prominent."

She turned in my arms, rising onto her toes to kiss me.

I bent to meet her, lingering against her mouth until she drew back with a reluctant sigh.

"If I don't leave soon, I may never get out of this room."

"That would save the hotel staff some work."

She laughed again, then stepped toward the sitting room to collect her belongings.

I followed her, admiring the way the gold embroidery caught the light as she walked. Outside the windows, a few scattered clouds had drifted over the moon, darkening the harbor and leaving the distant lighthouse beam sweeping through the mist.

Everly checked her phone and opened a rideshare app.

"There's a car about ten minutes away."

I watched while she confirmed the pickup at the hotel's entrance.

She angled her phone my way as she sent Taryn the check-in she'd promised.

EVERLY: I'm getting ready to leave suite 814. My ride's booked, and I'm heading home.

"Would you like me to accompany you downstairs?"

She looked at my wings and gave me an amused smile.

"I think you'd cause a considerable stir if you appeared in the lobby again."

"I've survived worse."