Seven Black Diamonds (Seven Black Diamonds #1)(92)

“We’re not leaving,” Violet said. She came to her feet, which made her eye level with his chest.

Still, Erik recognized her as a person worth treating with caution. He nodded at her before turning to Lily and pulling her into his arms. “Fine. I’ve come to take you home.”

Lily stared at him.

Before she could reply, Creed stood and walked out of the room.

After a significant look at Alkamy, Zephyr followed him.

“We have this,” Alkamy promised. “We’ll be right back.” She shot a glare at Erik before she followed the boys.

Only Violet remained. She was making no move to give Lily any privacy with Erik. Instead she folded her arms over her chest, crossed her legs, and said, “You’re not getting out of my sight, especially with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Pushy, so don’t even think about it.”

Lily smiled. Despite everything, Violet was unflappable. She didn’t seem to grasp that she could be wrong or unwelcome. Ever. Right now, though, she was exceptionally welcome.

“You’re that actress,” Erik said suddenly.

“And you’re that criminal,” Violet said drolly. “Now, on to the part where you explain yourself to Miss LilyDark.”

“Lilywhite,” he corrected.

Violet laughed. “Oh, sweetie, you couldn’t be further from warm on that one. You just don’t know it yet.”

“Vi,” Lily started.

“Shutting up now.”

Erik looked at Lily. “Can you please lead me to your room so we can pack?” He gestured toward the three closed doors. “Which one?”

“I’m not going anywhere, Erik.”

“I saw the pictures, Lily. You were bruised, and he had you restrained by the arm. He’s just lucky I didn’t address his mistake today.”

“No! You don’t understand—” She stopped herself before she tried to explain. She couldn’t say that she’d been injured trying to keep secrets from the former heir of the Unseelie Court, who was her uncle. There was nothing she could say truthfully. Telling Erik her secrets was one thing; revealing everyone’s was something else entirely. She settled on, “There’s been a misunderstanding. Creed wasn’t restraining me, and he certainly hadn’t hurt me. I swear it, Erik. He would never hurt me—any more than you would.”

Erik scowled. “Someone did though. I’m here to bring you home.”

“But Daidí said the house wasn’t safe enough. I do need to talk to him tho—”

“No. To my home. I can protect you from the law and from the monsters.” Erik pulled her stiff body into his arms so he could whisper in her ear. “I know what you are, Lily. I’ve known for years. I’ll keep you safe and hidden. Just come with me. You don’t even need to pack.”

She pulled away. “Oh, Erik . . . I can’t run. Not now. I just . . . I can’t. I’ll explain. I promise, but I need to go get Creed first.” She turned to Violet and asked, “Keep him here?”

Violet nodded.

“And Vi? Don’t hurt him,” Lily added.

The petite girl smiled broadly. “Oh, ye of little faith . . .”

Lily rolled her eyes. Maybe the fae were the monsters, and maybe in the end she’d still be unable to be with Creed. After the bargain she’d made with her grandparents, she had less control over her future than she’d ever thought possible, but unless Endellion and Leith ordered her to stop seeing Creed and move to the Hidden Lands, she was going to spend as much time as she had with him.

Without another word to Erik or Violet, Lily yanked the door open and ran out into the hallway to catch Creed before he was too far out of reach.

When she found him headed toward the exit of the building, she yelled, “Creed Morrison! Stop. Right. There.” It was the first time she’d used her affinity for air so forcefully. Her words grabbed his body and held like an anchor. He could shake it off if he wanted, but he didn’t.

Zephyr and Alkamy, who were trying to talk to him, both looked at her with curious looks, but Lily’s attention was on Creed. He folded his uninjured arm over his chest and stared at her. He didn’t move to shove away the air that gripped his arms.

“Why?”

Ignoring the stares they were all getting now, Lily walked across the stone floor almost fast enough to be called a run. The stones sang out to her, heir, little queen, danger, but she didn’t have time to hear any of it. Her sole priority was the beautiful boy who was obviously trying to hide the hope and worry in his eyes.

“You’re an idiot,” she breathed.

“You made a vow to me,” he said.

“And I kept it.” She poked him in the chest. “Which you would’ve known if you hadn’t stormed out. I’m not going anywhere. My heart is already taken.”

Creed caught her hand and kissed it. “Truly?”

Lily shrugged. “I have a thing for moody, impulsive singers.”

“So you’re not leaving?”

She put both hands on his chest. “Is that enough for right now? Are you willing to settle? To put up with Daidí and my grandparents?”

He said nothing, just pulled her closer and kissed her until Lily thought that the only reason they hadn’t run out of breath was that they were both air affinities. If not for the sudden applause that she could hear, Lily wasn’t sure she’d have ever been able to stop kissing Creed.