“True.” He smirks. “You look ravishing by the way.”
“Please.” I shake my head. “Your eyes are half-closed.”
“I know, and I’m still amazed. Congratulations.” He lifts his head and surveys his surroundings. “Cool apartment. Where are we?”
“My lair,” Alistair says drily. “I brought you back here in case I get thirsty.”
“That’s fine, but only if someone lends a helping hand while you’re latched.” Ciprian laughs, then turns a smoldering leer my way. “I was a hero tonight. Did anyone mention it?”
Despite myself, I laugh—the sharp edges of my wings reverting to feathers, something I’ve been unable to make them do since hearing about Alistair’s attack. My laugh cuts off abruptly and I look at Ciprian with new eyes. He’s disarming, and it’s so subtle I barely noticed it.
“A knight in shining armor,” I drawl, then wink at Alistair. “Protecting his damsel in distress.”
“Watch it,” Alistair growls. It reminds me of how he sounded last night in my bed, and a shiver of pure sexual energy runs through me.Pull yourself together.
“And I didn’t even get a kiss for it.” Ciprian sighs dramatically. “Only a wicked case of blue balls to pair with acute anemia.”
“Would you rather I made it hurt?” Alistair’s low purr is too much. I shift my weight and glance away, noticing both Luca and Ciprian are affected by the obvious innuendo.
“Ask me after my platelets return to normal.” Ciprian cranes his neck to focus on Luca. “Thanks for not leaving me in the street. What happened to the... mess?”
“Alistair’s contact took care of it,” Luca says. “I loaded you both in the car before he got there. No one knows you’re involved. You won’t have to worry about getting in trouble with the enclave.”
I snort. “Like the enclave would bother sending someone here.”
Ciprian laughs out loud, the sound almost manic. He’s either out of it or trying to suck up to me, because my sarcasm wasn’t that funny. Sinking onto the arm of Alistair’s chair, I roll my eyes internally. Guys will laugh at anything if they think it will get them laid.
“Where are my manners?” Alistair murmurs, pushing to his feet. “I have guests. Let me prepare some food.”
“Sit down,” Luca scoffs.
“Yeah,” Ciprian drags the word out. “I don’t want to bring up bad memories, but I fully saw your guts, like—what time is it right now?”
“Almost five,” I tell him.
“Two hours ago.” Ciprian sits up, wobbling slightly, then leans back against the couch. “I’m kind of amazed you’re alive.”
Alistair lifts his chin defiantly. “It will take more than a sword to kill me.”
“Well fuck,” Ciprian gasps. “If you’re going to tempt fate, you could at least keep your voice down. Next time she might send a flamethrower.”
“It’s time for bed,” I say, shaking my head as three sets of eyes snap to me. I shiver. Teamed up, they’re a lot to handle.
Alistair swallows. “Let me get you something more comfortable to wear, angel.”
“I can go home,” I argue. “You’re not in any position to?—”
“No,” Alistair snaps, then clears his throat. “I mean, it’s no trouble at all, love.”
He hobbles out of sight, and I look at Luca. Standing behind the couch, he’s staring at the back of Ciprian’s head as if he’ll uncover a crazy conspiracy if he keeps at it long enough. Luca only breaks the stare to silently gesture between the two of us, raising his eyebrows in an obvious question.Godsdammit.Ihaven’t considered whether I want to publicly reveal... whatever this is. He’s giving me the choice, but I need time to think. I try to communicate that with my eyes, and Luca nods.
“I can step out if you two need to talk,” Ciprian says drily. “Unless Alistair was serious about me being a prisoner.”
“No... We’re not—it’s fine,” I sputter, surprised he caught on.
“I’m familiar with watching others have unspoken conversations.” Ciprian shrugs, his voice oddly resigned. “Many bonds go deeper than words.”
“That reminds me,” Luca says. “Your phone has been buzzing nonstop.”
