“Yes?” Nikhail turned around, his brows furrowed. “I’m sorry, do I know you?”
“Not yet,” the elf said cryptically. “But I’m hopeful that we will get to know each other very soon. My name’s Yvonne Barlowe.”
The name was vaguely familiar.
River blinked. “As in the Barlowes who own half of the Northern Region?”
“The very same.” Yvonne’s smile was dazzling. “Now, young man, I’ve heard that you’re recently retired from the military, is that right?”
Nikhail slowly inclined his head. “Yes, that’s true.”
“Wonderful. I’m funding a new tech start-up, and I’ve been looking for a partner. Someone younger than me, who knows far more than I do about these things. I’ve spoken with a few of your former colleagues, and they all recommended you for the position. Would you be open to discussing this with me?”
“I suppose,” Nikhail said.
“Perfect.” Yvonne pulled a card out of her purse and handed it to Nikhail. “That’s my personal number. Call me tomorrow, and we’ll get you all sorted out.”
Then, she was off in a flurry of sparkling sequins.
Nikhail slid the card into his pocket and blinked. “Did I just get a job?”
“I think so.” River grinned up at him. “Look at you, getting job offers out of the blue. I’m so proud of you.” She rose onto her toes to peck Nikhail on the cheek, but he tilted his head, and all of a sudden, his lips were on hers.
And this kiss.
Thiskiss. It was everything.
More than just a meeting of their mouths, it was an expression of every emotion that they felt for each other. It waslove and affection and tenderness and desire all wrapped up in one.
It lasted for a minute, maybe two, but when River pulled away, she felt as though lifetimes had passed.
She gazed up at her air fae, and the corners of her lips kicked up. “Hey, Nik?”
“Yes, little storm?”
“I can see the stars.”
He laughed, the deep sound resonating all around them, as he wrapped her hand in his and tugged her out of the ballroom.
His mouth was back on hers as they waited for the elevator, and they kissed as the silver box brought them to their room. They barely separated long enough to unlock the hotel room door, then Nikhail made quick work of River’s dress.
Soon, she was lying on the bed, and just like Nikhail had promised, she was screaming his name.
And though her magic remained in her veins, a strong, steady force, River was grounded. She wasn’t cursed, nor was she too much. Nikhail balanced her in every way, and she was happy.
She’d spoken the truth earlier.
She could see the stars, thanks to Nikhail, and they werebeautiful.
CHAPTER 38
Second Epilogue
A Year Later
Lakewater General Hospital was chaotic today. River wasn’t sure whether it was the full moon or just bad luck, but she had been called into surgery the moment she’d set foot in the hospital seven hours ago, and this was her first break. She hadn’t even had the chance to text Nikhail and ask him how his day was going.
Stumbling into the breakroom, River unscrewed the cap of her reusable water bottle and took a long swig.