Training with the Brumal had taught him never to make rash decisions based on what he supposed the truth to be, to instead always seek out the real answer beforehand. He wasn’t the best at following that line of advice, admittedly, but he was getting better. Had to, now that he’d been upgraded to the important role of underboss. Especially when he thought back on the harsh words Baikal had tossed his way the other night.
Knowing his cousin, Kal had most likely just been irritated because Kazimir had brought up Rabbit. He wasoverprotective on a good day and a total dragon-hoarding-gold-nightmare on a bad one where his Possessio was concerned.
“But you think you can sway him with money?” Zane hummed. “Why bother? Your looks and prestige aren’t enough?”
Kaz thought about the way Nate had been at the therapists yesterday. He’d been surprised when he’d walked in and found the pretty racer there, but even more so when Nate had apologized to him and sounded like he’d meant it. Most people told Kaz to suck it up when he told him about his daddy issues—he was rich and protected because of the Ambrose name, they’d say. Who cared if it came with strings?
But Nate? Nate hadn’t pointed out that he was a spoiled prick for feeling the way he did toward his dad. Hadn’t told him to get over it, or appeared disgusted when Kazimir had mentioned wanting to destroy his dad’s business.
Narek had tried to comfort him.
Him.
How absolutely absurd.
So why had Kazimir kind of liked it?
“We weren’t all given flowery titles like Prince of Medicine, Your Highness,” Kaz drawled, making himself focus on the conversation. “Some of us got stuck with Devil of Vitality and never moved into any other category.”
Zane had never cared about what the other students at Vail called him—to his face or behind his back. Appearances mattered to him, but only because they mattered on a professional level. If it wouldn’t affect his future as the head of medical staff for the Imperial family, Zane wouldn’t give it the time of day.
Kazimir was the one strange exception, and that was simply because everyone, even someone as perfect and untouchable as Zane, needed an outlet once in a while.
“We both know you like being a Devil, Kaz,” Zane said.
He sighed. “This guy, he doesn’t like me.”
“Most people don’t, not once they get to know you, anyway.”
“Someone’s asking for a spanking.”
“Take your darker proclivities out on this new target of yours. I’ve got to go.”
“At least help me beforehand,” Kazimir argued.
“I just did that.” He glanced down pointedly at the spot between Kaz’s thighs, currently soft and hidden beneath the thin white sheet.
“Come on, Z. You’re the only one I can ask.”
Zane cocked his head. “This have something to do with the other Satellite?”
“They think I can’t commit.”
“You can’t.”
“Sure I can. I just haven’t found the right one, that’s all.”
“And this new guy, he’s the right one?”
“No.” Kaz stopped and considered it more seriously. “Probably not. He’s poor as dirt yet arrogant as all hell. Hot, but in that boy next door kind of way. Not sexy, not like you, baby.” He left out he part about how Nate was actually more his style, at least in the looks department.
“Focus. I’m only giving you another two minutes of my time.”
“Fine.” He rolled his eyes and slumped back against the mahogany headboard. “He isn’t the type of person I imagined myself spending the rest of my life with, let’s leave it at that.”
“You haven’t imagined that ever, Kazimir. What’s brought this on now? Is it just because the others goaded you? Or,” a knowing look entered his inky-colored eyes, “are you envious? Because Baikal has Rabbit?”
Kaz looked away, scowling.
