"Your lion can stuff it." She backed up a step, then caught herself and held her ground. "Along with whatever ego told you I'd be interested."
"I never said you were interested." He stopped just outside her space, close enough to catch her scent. Woodsmoke and whiskey and something completely Maeve. "Just said there was a spark. Could mean anything."
"It means nothing."
"If you say so, Cub."
"Stop calling me that."
"Make me."
Her jaw clenched. "You're impossible."
"You're stubborn."
"I'm practical." She moved past him, shoulder brushing his arm in a way that sent heat racing down his spine. "And practically speaking, you need to get out from behind my bar before I remember I banned you last night."
"You can't ban me. Council business."
"Watch me." But there was no real heat in it. Just exhaustion and wariness and something that looked a lot like resignation.
Dante stepped back, giving her space. "I need you to be careful, Maeve. With all your deliveries. Morning and afternoon. Someone's playing a long game here, and they're good at it."
"I'm always careful."
"Be more careful." He moved closer to the door, then paused. "And next time I offer to help, maybe don't fight me quite so hard."
"Where's the fun in that?"
He looked back, finding her watching him with those gold-flecked eyes. The firelight caught in her short black hair, making her look fierce and beautiful and absolutely untouchable.
Just like she'd been ten years ago when he'd been too much of an idiot to fight for her.
"No fun at all," he said quietly. "But it might keep you alive."
He stepped out into the cold night air. Snow had started falling again, soft flakes that melted on his skin.
Behind him, the Silver Fang glowed warm and welcoming. Maeve's sanctuary. Her pride.
And Dante was outside looking in.
His lion snarled, wanting back inside. Wanting her attention and her fire and everything she'd built these walls to protect.
But walls could be climbed. Defenses could be breached.
He'd just have to be patient.
Even if being a smart-ass to make her squirm was the only way he knew how to get under her skin anymore, the only wayto make her see him instead of the ghost of the lion who'd stayed behind.
He'd waited ten years already.
What was a little longer?
9
MAEVE
The courier arrived at dawn, when the Silver Fang was still locked and Maeve was nursing her first cup of coffee.
