“By providing an alibi,” Celine explains, glancing around to make sure the alley is still abandoned. “He’s more powerful and influential around here than some cocky demon. If Ciprian makes accusations, Alistair can add weight to our story.”
Rocking back on my heels, I consider her scheme. It’s fucking risky. Alistair is crafty, and I highly doubt he would agree to help us out of the goodness of his heart. “Are you going to tell him what actually happened?”
Celine purses her lips. “Not unless I have to. He wants me—you were right about that. I can use it as leverage.”
“Playing with him is risky.” I groan. “What if he decides he doesn’t appreciate your game?”
Celine pulls her bottom lip between her teeth. “Then I’ll end it.”
“Do you want him?” I ask boldly—even though I have no right—terrified of her answer.
“I don’t know,” Celine says, then grimaces.
I hold my basilisk back, telling it we aren’t about to hunt Alistair down and eliminate him. It pushes back, and a growl comes out of my mouth despite my best efforts to stay calm.
“Please try to remember that you like Alistair,” Celine says.
I scoff. “Like is a strong word. If he steps one toe over the line; you let me know. One tomato is all it would take.”
“I have no idea what that means.” Celine scrunches up her nose and points to the door. “Can we go inside now? I’m only wearing face sunscreen. My shoulders are going to burn if we stand around out here shooting the shit for much longer.”
I shake my head. “Literally, no part of this conversation could be classified as ‘shooting the shit.’”
“Whatever, dude. Pick your keys up and open the door.”
I groan. I hate it when she calls me stupid, bro nicknames. “I’m not your dude,” I insist.
“No, you’re the guy trapping me under a corrosive ball of gas that could turn my skin into boiling candle wax. You’re my murderer,” she says. “Is that better?”
I roll my eyes and grab my keys from the ground where theyfell, scooping up her bag and jacket while I’m at it. “You’re being melodramatic.”
“Until the day I die,” she teases, dropping into a sarcastic bow. “Which will likely be today if you can’t get the door open.”
Snorting a laugh, I unlock the club door with no issues this time. My hands are solid as a rock, and I realize they haven’t shaken once since Celine touched me.
EIGHTEEN
Unspoken rule of the Fringes #78:
Never go back on a deal that’s been struck.
ALISTAIR
I arrive at the Naked Fang, nearly tripping over my feet in my eagerness to see Celine. The pull toward her is undeniable.
My eyes dart around the club, but Celine isn’t in the main room, so I head for the bar, studying Luca as I go. I know the second he spots me, because his face loses all expression.How far can I push him before he laces my drink with marinara sauce?
Celine and Luca are a package deal. I know that, but they have to reach that conclusion on their own. Since they’re both stubborn and I’m an expert in curating alliances, it falls on me to steer them in the right direction. If everything goes according to plan, Luca will thank me for my generous spirit... just probably not tonight.
“The usual?” he asks. The question sounds like the crack of a whip.
I nod. “If you have the time.”
He grinds his teeth, and I swallow my amusement. “You’re angry with me,” I observe.
Luca rattles the shaker ferociously, then slams it on the bar, his blank face replaced by a glower. “I don’t know why you would think that.”
I hide another smile; his jealousy is entertaining. “It could be the vicious way you’re preparing my drink,” I say. “Or maybe it’s that I’ve rarely seen your handsome face marred by such a horrific scowl.”
