Chapter 25: A Surprise Outing

"Shouldn't I put on some proper clothing?" Lily asked as Gavin slipped her coat over her shoulders. His scent was earthy like Greer's but more pungent. Rather than repulse her, Lily found it strangely attractive.

"Nonsense, you look lovely as you are," Gavin said, letting his fingers drift across her shoulders. "Besides, no one will notice us." He paused as he brushed over her birthmark, and Lily sensed his whole body stiffen. She could feel his eyes boring into her shoulder.

"What's wrong?" she asked, annoyed that everyone seemed so fascinated with a stupid birthmark. Were they worried she had skin cancer or something? Did it look that bad? "It's nothing, really," she insisted, pushing her shoulder into her coat. "I've had it forever."

"Forever is a long time for someone who's only twenty-four," Gavin finally said.