Chapter 112. A Ray of Sunshine

Magnus

There was nothing to discuss, really. I just wanted to talk to Astrid because I missed her badly. I had been sitting at the bar of one of my family's rest houses for over twenty minutes, but I didn't mind as long as she hadn't changed her mind or canceled.

I took a small sip of the bourbon I had poured about forty-five minutes before, then immediately perked and bolted up when I heard a car drive into the parking space. It was her; I could already feel her presence. I was already at the door as she made her way up the little flight of stairs and I promptly pulled it open before she could knock.

"You're late."

"Hmm," she smiled warmly, "perhaps it's time you punish me for my tardiness then."

The word, spoken so easily and jokingly, had a very different effect on me, an effect I wasn't completely proud of.

I stepped aside so she could enter the house, then closed the door.

"Nice place, bring many girls here?" she had a teasing smirk on