I wanted to dance across the room. If Ilayda was still alive, we could find her this way. I’d been forced to use my power for so many bad things over my life, it felt incredible to be able to use it for good.
Kyla and Evie left to visit Gary’s store soon after that.
Vas made me promise to stay in the apartment while he flew to the tower and brought more clothes back with him.
I was sweaty after cleaning in the bar, so I took a quick shower. By the time I opened the bathroom door, Vas had returned. So quietly that I hadn’t heard him come in.
His gaze dropped to the spot between my boobs where I’d tucked the end of the towel. His eyes sharpened, watching a drop of water trickle down my neck and chest. I sucked in a sharp breath.
When he finally lifted his eyes to mine, they were dazed. I was woman enough to feel just a little smug.
“What’s your plan for Daimonion tomorrow?” I asked.
He slowly shook his head, moving out of the way so I could walk into my room and find fresh clothes.
“I’m going to see Nero.”
I whirled. “No.”
The look he gave me made me want to punch him. Stubborn demon.
“He went after your bar,” he said slowly, and I ground my teeth.
“I don’t need you to solve my problems, Vas!”
“We’re a team, Mere. This is such a small thing for me. Why wouldn’t you let me do it?”
He wanted us to be a team. A team against Nero. A team against Daimonion. A team against theworld. He had no idea just how enticing that was to my lonely heart.
I pushed the thought away. I hated that he sounded so reasonable. The truth was, I couldn’t get used to relying on anyone. Least of all Vas. But he wasn’t going to let this go. I could see it in his eyes.
I was embarrassed. Hopelessly embarrassed. Mortified that I’d ended up involved with Nero in the first place. That I was in debt to someone who was holding my bar hostage.
I took a deep breath. “If you’re serious about talking to Nero, I’ll come with you.”
“No.”
“Vas…”
“Do you think I want you to see that side of me?”
I stared at him. “I’ve already seen it. I watched you on the battlefield, Vas.”
He gave me a slow smile. “You saw burning fury. You’ve never seen me go cold.” His smile dropped. “And I don’t want you to. Respect my boundaries.”
I glowered at him. “Stealing my words?”
“They’re good words.”
I took a deep breath. “I don’t need you to—”
He cut me off. “You don’t need me? Your bartender dumped your father’s body, criminals smashed up your bar, and you’re up to your neck with a fuckingloanshark.”
I stared at him. Yes, my life was a mess. But hearing Vas throw all that in my face hurt more than I could ever have imagined.
“Get the fuck out.”
He laughed. “I don’t think so, baby.”
