Chapter Fifty-Four

IANTHE

My hand is gripped tightly in Ricardo's as we make our way to the funeral of The Wisher.

"Are you sure it's a good idea that I come?" I ask for what must be the seventh time.

His thumb strokes languidly over the back of my hand, those greys looking like they're melting as he takes in my face. "I want you by my side."

His sure voice sends tingles down my spine. I know as soon as we get out of the car, his hand will no longer hold mine in the public. My birthday has never been so slow to arrive as it does this year.

There's something different to Ricardo today. I know he went out early this morning, at first I thought he went to take Daemon out for his daily run, but when he returned he smelled like a woman's perfume.

I found it odd, but I didn't feel jealous. I instinctively know he only has eyes for me.

Now he seems lighter somehow, the lines between his eyebrows that were permanently scowling smoothed out.

I can't believe I almost lost him just yesterday. I'm still tha