Kiss of the Betrayer (A Bringer and the Bane Novel) (43 page)
Read Kiss of the Betrayer (A Bringer and the Bane Novel) Online
Authors: Boone Brux
Luc bent to whisper in her ear. “Do they know each other?”
She wiped her tears away with the palm of her hand, sniffed and shook her head. “I have no idea.”
Rell pressed her body against the bars, as if to get closer. “Si?”
“I guess that answers my question,” Luc said.
So much emotion filled Rell’s one word that new hope spread through Jade. She watched, unable to tear her gaze from the two.
Siban slowly approached, stopping inches from the cage. He held Esmeralda like a baby and angled the body for Rell to see. The demon’s gaze drifted from his face to the limp form. Her hand reached through the bars and caressed the arm that had once belonged to her.
Tears spilled down Jade’s cheeks, her breath catching in her throat. It was almost too much to hope that Siban could change her sister’s mind. Family ties, loyalty, gratitude, duty—none of those could spur Rell to choose a chance at life, but this was something Jade had never considered. Rell was in love. The very thought almost made her laugh. She pressed her folded hands to her mouth and leaned into Luc. He pulled her against him.
Pieces of the mystery surrounding Siban tumbled into place. Years before, Rell had cryptically spoken of a man but refused to explain who he was when Jade had questioned her. Siban had been held prisoner in the Shadow World—that must be their connection. The night on the ship when he’d almost captured Jade, he’d called out to Rell because he had recognized her, not as a ploy to lure them back. He’d practically jumped at the chance to bring Willa to Faela and Jade would bet her life that it was in hopes of finding Rell. It all made sense and from the way he stared at Rell now, he obviously loved her too.
Rell’s caress drifted upward and she cupped Siban’s face with both hands. She tilted her head and pressed against the bars. Siban leaned forward, meeting her halfway. Ever so gently their lips touched, lingering as if drinking in the feel of each other.
Siban pulled back and looked at Rell. “Please don’t leave me again.”
Rell’s yellow eyes swirled to green. “Never.”
Jade looked at Luc. A half smile played at the corners of his mouth, his head shaking ever so slightly in disbelief. He looked at her and flicked a glance toward the door. She nodded. Tonight she would sleep well, wrapped in the arms of the man she loved and knowing that for these few short hours all was right in her world.
A
CKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, I’d like to thank my fabulous editors, Kerry Vail and Erin Molta. You guys complete me. Thanks to CJ Ellisson, who tirelessly gives her support in every aspect of my life. Friends like you are hard to find. And to Heather Howland, you have my undying gratitude for the fantastic covers you continue to gift me with. You are a visionary.
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