Read Online Across the Veil by Lisa Kessler - Free Book Online Page B

from the airport. Talia, or Natalie Thurmont as she called herself on this side of the veil, was the star of Avalon Magic, the hottest show on television. After a quick internet search, he was on his way to the Arizona desert where she was filming a television movie. He could be there in a few hours if the traffic on the highway was clear.
    The irony that a princess from Summerland was using human special effects instead of her true magic didn’t escape him.
    Not that he watched the show. All right, so he watched sometimes, but not every week.
    He gripped the wheel tighter and gunned the Porsche’s engine. Until he knew why Talia summoned him and risked using Fae magic in the human world, he wouldn’t be able to relax.
    The last time he touched her was still etched on his soul. Her blue eyes sparkled with tears, her rose lips, still swollen from his kisses, and her soft fingers tracing over his mouth, yearning for words he couldn’t give her.
    Since he’d crossed the veil, he thought about reaching out to her. But what could he say? She was betrothed to his brother. His own kin. The ruthless bastard never deserved her, but Faldo was the first born son. He had the birthright.
    And he had proof of their betrayal.
    Keth used his glamour to gain access to the movie set, and quickly located her trailer. The oppressive heat and bright sun burned his pale skin. Waiting outside wasn’t going to be an option. Her door was unlocked, so he slipped inside, instantly assaulted by the scent of wild roses and lilacs. He took a deep breath in spite of himself. He couldn’t help it. Memories of summer evenings by the lake filled his mind. Talia’s red hair fanning around her like fire as he laid over her.
    He could almost hear her singing. She had a voice that filled angels with envy. He frowned and looked to the other end of the trailer. Another step closer and he realized she really was singing. Pushing open the door, he found Talia drenched in bubbles.
    “Keth?” She jumped, sending a wave of bath water out onto the floor.
    He drank in the sight of her bare shoulders, the gentle slope of her neck, her full lips and flushed cheeks, and finally her crystal blue eyes.
    “Were you expecting someone else?” The thought alone made his shoulders tense.
    She settled back into the bath, but not before he caught her gaze sliding up his body. “I was expecting a polite knock at the door.”
    He held up his fist, showing the ornate vine tattoo that wrapped around his wrist. “ You summoned me , remember?”
    She held up her arm, exposing her matching vine. “Yes, I remember.”
    “We made this pact as children. The vine would call us back together if we were ever in trouble.” He scanned the small expanse of her trailer and finally met her eyes again. “You don’t appear to be in any danger.”
    Her hand splashed back into the tub. “Can I get dressed before we have this talk?”
    He shrugged. “Go ahead.”
    “Alone. You wait outside.” Her brow furrowed, and if he’d been in a better mood he would have found the crease in her forehead comical. Talia could never pull off a cross expression in his presence. He could always make her laugh.
    Those days were long behind them now.
    Talia emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a white robe. Knowing she was naked underneath distracted him. Being this close to her brought back too many memories.
    “I didn’t know you crossed the veil.” She sat on her small sofa, tucking her legs underneath herself.
    He shrugged. “Faldo had a price on my head. In the beginning it was easier to hide in this world.”
    “He wants to kill you?” She shot off the sofa. “Why?”
    “Because he knows I...” He stopped himself short of admitting his feelings. Clearing his throat, he added, “He saw us at the lake, Talia.”
    “He knew?” Her hand went to her throat, and her gaze moved over to her tiny coffee table. “He could have declared braitheann sí . I would have been cast out, or killed for