Page 21 of Dreams Of Fate

“So, she can speak to you in your dreams?” Mara asks, and I focus on her.

“Yes. She's aware when I dream-walk. We're connected.” I glance at the clock. Seven. I have to wait at least two hours.

“Does she know you're speaking in the dream at the time, or does she remember in the morning?” Lace asks.

“She has a tattoo that allows her to be in the moment with me,” I explain. I haven’t reached out to her for over a week, so even though the subject is hard, I’m excited to see her.

“It’s fascinating,” Rome murmurs, looking at Archer.

“It is.” Archer ignores him and studies my face.

We need time alone. He has secrets I want to uncover, and I hope that with more time, he can trust me with them.

“Mateo, are you staying in town?” I drag my attention away from my mysterious bond.

“For a few days. I got a room.”

“I’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow.” I widen my eyes, hoping he’ll get the hint.

He tilts his head. “That is my cue,” he sings, and I want to spell him again. “I’m taking my food.” He gathers two tacos in a napkin and stands. “Be good, and call me tomorrow.”

“I will.” I smile because I still love him.

“Later, magic people.” He waves over his shoulder on the way through the room.

He shuts the door, and Archer relaxes.

“I like him,” Lace announces.

“He’s interesting,” Archer says.

“We should go.” Mara stands and starts cleaning the table.

“Maybe Savy needs us here,” Rome says, grinning at Archer. “We can protect her while she’s sleeping.”

Archer narrows his eyes. “You saying I can’t.”

“Not at all,” Mara says quickly, nudging Rome.

“I’m taking my food, too.” Lace leans over the table, putting food on a plate.

“I can clean up.” I scoot back my chair.

“I got it.” Archer touches my hand, and I stop. “Relax.”

How can I relax when his skin touches mine? My body is buzzing with energy. Aria will guess that something happened. We share everything about our lives. I listen to her bad date stories and her complaints about her boss. She sympathizes when I tell her about the judgmental customers at the store. Living apart for so long should have driven a wedge between us, yet we're closer than ever. We’ve had to find other ways to communicate, and I think it helped.

“Savy,” Lace says, and I blink. “Are you coming to the store tomorrow?”

“Yes,” I say, focusing on her. “Why wouldn’t I?”

She lifts her chin toward Archer, who is throwing the trash in the garbage.

“No reason.” She grins. “Let me know, either way.”

“Sure.” I move around the table, walking her to the door.

“Savy,” she whispers, pausing on the threshold. “Tread carefully.” She glances toward the kitchen.