"Don't worry about it. I'm going to take care of it. And before you get all judgy, it's going to be controlled. The buildings on either side aren't going to be affected. All regular employees working on the public cosmetics side leave at 5 p.m. every day. Anyone left there afterward will be Sanguis Vitae," Valentine replied, a dark little smile dancing on his lips. "I'm going hit it as Killian attacks the front of the Château. I just got feedback on my portal spell, so I'll be able to step straight through it to Apollo, who will be on the lookout a safe distance away. Then, I can help with the Château attack. I'll be gone before they realize I was there."
Apollo didn't like being the one to sit back and watch the action, but he was shouted down. Either he would keep watch and coordinate things with Layla remotely, or he would be shipped back to England. He wasn't a front-line sort of fighter, and he knew it. It would be stupid of him to push the matter, even if his dragon was frustrated as hell by it.
"Caelan got back to you fast. How is that possible from Faerie?" Apollo asked.
"They taught me a type of fire messaging. It's practically instant. Very cool spell," Valentine replied.
"Caelan is a master at all kinds of things," Killian added, something like mischief dancing in his eyes. "I'm glad you two are talking. You have a lot in common."
"It's weird seeing Valentine like anyone," Apollo said. He wasn't being a smartass, either.
Of all the Greatdrakes boys, Valentine had the hardest time making any friends, even when they were children. He was too high functioning even for magicians.
Cosimo had always worried that it would be the isolation and loneliness that would do Valentine in, which was why being folded into such a large family of ancient fae had been good for him. Valentine finally had access to people who could speak his language. Apollo didn't know who this Caelan person was, but if Killian and Taranis trusted them, it was enough for him.
Valentine shifted awkwardly in his seat. "Well, they aren't an idiot. I like it." This was about the highest praise Valentine gave to anyone.
"If we pull this off, I'll send them presents to say thanks," Apollo replied.
Valentine nodded. "If we pull this off, I'll consider delivering them myself."
The conversation switched to how they could get prisoners from France to Kian's castle in England, and Apollo snuggled further into Lachlan's side, settling in and letting his strength and warmth wash over him while he could.
30
Something was up with Apollo. He had been giving Lachlan strange, thoughtful looks all night, and he didn't know if he should be worried about it.
Lachlan made sure nothing would explode in the bathroom before he had a shower and tried to calm his brain down. He was thinking of battle plans and different contingencies if shit went south.
He had to have all his bases covered because Apollo would never be safe until the Sanguis Vitae were gone. He was never one to approve of wiping out a whole group of people, but they had declared war the second they touched Apollo.
When Lachlan came out of the bathroom in a robe, Apollo was lounging on the bed in his robe too. His hair was wet and untamed, and everything smelled of the sweet shampoo he had used.
"I used Val's shower," he said as if he knew that would be his first question. "And before you pout, you're too distracting, and I needed to think."
"I see. Anything you want to share?" Lachlan asked, sitting down on the bed. He steeled himself, waiting for Apollo to saythat hooking up was a mistake, that he had just been emotional and confused.
"Why do you look like you're getting ready to be knifed, Lachie? I've been thinking about anything else I can make that will be useful for tomorrow night. I don't like you being unprotected," Apollo said and poked him in the bicep.
"Oh." Lachlan relaxed just a little and lay down beside him."We are going to be as safe as we can be. You have to trust us to do our jobs. I've been in plenty of big fights before, Apollo."
"And that's supposed to make me feel better? My dragon..."Apollo shut his eyes and took a deep breath. "It's very protective of you. I don't like the idea of us being separated. It wants to wrap itself around you and snarl at anyone who gets too close."
"Staying away from me has never been an issue for it before," Lachlan replied and then bit his tongue. The last thing he wanted tonight was to start an argument.
"Yes, it was," Apollo admitted in a tired voice. "It's always been a struggle. I'm just too exhausted to want to fight it anymore."
"Yeah?" Lachlan asked, leaning in close enough to kiss. "I'm glad I wasn't the only one that found it hard to stay away. When we get home, I still want to see where this goes. Take you on proper dates, romance the hell out of you."
Apollo grinned. "You still want to? So what you're saying is I'm not just your sexy Parisian fling?"
Lachlan rolled on top of him, putting his hands on either side of his head so he didn't crush him under his weight. "You're definitely my sexy Parisian fling. I just want you all the time."
Apollo's eyes shimmered with gold, but the smile was all him. "How bad?"
Lachlan's mouth hovered above his, their lips lightly brushing. "Bad enough to let you top me tonight if you want to."
Apollo's eyes flared hot, and suddenly Lachlan was on his back, the breath knocked out of him with the speed and strength of Apollo flipping him.
