We didn’t stay at the dance much longer because Ren’s mood had changed despite my teasing, kisses, and pronouncements of love. He danced with me, but his mind was elsewhere, and when I told him I’d like to head home, he didn’t protest.
When we pulled up the drive, I noticed that the lights were on in my house. Before we went in, Ren enfolded me in a soft embrace and kissed me tenderly.
He put his forehead against mine and said, “This is not exactly the ending to our romantic date that I had planned.”
“You still have another hour.” I grinned and put my arms around his neck. “What did you have in mind?”
He laughed softly. “Actually, I was planning to ad lib the rest, but that’s not going to happen with Kishan around.”
Ren kissed me again, and we heard a muffled comment too faint to understand. He ripped his lips away from mine and growled quietly, muttered something in Hindi, and opened the door with a scowl.
Kishan was watching television while scarfing down an incredible amount of snacks. Six different bags of pretzels, popcorn, cookies, chips, and assorted other goodies were strewn about the coffee table, all half-eaten.
“Just sickening,” Kishan groused. “Couldn’t you guys have finished kissing at the dance so I didn’t have to hear it?”
Ren helped me out of my coat with an irritated growl, before I headed upstairs. He said he’d be up as soon as he got Kishan settled in. The settled in part sounded ominous to me, but I nodded, hopeful that they would at least attempt to be civil to each other.
I was just slipping my pajama top over my head when I heard Ren bellow, “You ate all of my peanut . . . butter . . . cookies?”
I shook my head. Two tigers living this close to one another is going to be a major headache.
Not hearing Kishan’s reply, I decided to let them work it out for themselves. I carefully nestled the ruby earrings in my ribbon box for safekeeping and wondered about Ren and Kishan’s mother. I scrubbed off the makeup and pulled the jeweled combs out of my hair, letting the soft curls cascade down my back.
I found Ren resting on my bed, scooted against the headboard. His tuxedo jacket was thrown across a chair, and his tie was undone and hanging around his neck.
I climbed onto his lap and kissed his cheek. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me close, but he kept his eyes closed.
“I’m trying to deal with Kishan, Kelsey, but it’s going to be very, very hard.”
“I know. Where’s he going to sleep?”
“In my bed, in the other house.”
“And where are you going to sleep?”
He opened his eyes. “Here. With you. Like I always do.”
“Umm, Ren, don’t you think that Kishan will make assumptions about . . . you know, us being together. Together?”
“Well. Don’t worry. He knows we’re not.”
“Ren. Are you blushing?” I laughed.
“No. I just didn’t expect this topic of conversation.”
“You are definitely from a different time, Prince Charming. It’s kind of an important conversation to have.”
“What if I’m not ready to have this conversation yet?”
“Really? Three-hundred fifty years go by, and you aren’t ready to have that conversation?”
He growled softly. “Don’t misunderstand me, Kells. I’m more than ready to have that conversation, but we aren’t going to. At least, not until the curse has been broken.”
My mouth dropped open. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying? That we can’t be together until we get chased by immortal monkeys and demons at least three more times, which could take years!”
“I’m really hoping it doesn’t take that long. But, yes. That’s what I’m saying.”
“And you aren’t going to budge on this, are you?”
“No.”
“Fantastic! So I am going to be an old maid living with two very large cats!”
“You’re not going to be an old maid.”
“By the time you decide to be with me, I will be.”
“Kelsey, are you saying you’re ready for all that now?”
“Probably not, but what about a year from now? Or two years? Eventually, I’ll go crazy.”
“It won’t be easy for me either, Kells. Mr. Kadam agrees that it’s just too dangerous. His descendants live exceptionally long lives, and he feels that the amulet is responsible for that. It was an awkward conversation, but he told us both that it would be best if we didn’t take any . . . unnecessary chances. We don’t know how the amulet or curse works, and, until