Zane was used to being the outsider peering in. The one who could read those around him. When it came to Pavel? It was like staring at a foggy abyss, knowing there was something in there, but unable to identify what it was.
“This obsession seemingly came out of nowhere,” Zane continued. “I don’t think I can be blamed for wondering if it would vanish at the same speed.”
“You’re testing him,” Nate guessed, pursing his lips. “That’s what you were doing with me, wasn’t it.”
It hadn’t been a question, but he responded anyway, shrugging lightly. “Kazimir pissed me off, but I have always considered him as a sort of friend.”
“I broke up with him because of that stunt you pulled,” Nate stated.
“The distance also helped you realize you really wanted him, even when he wasn’t chasing you down and forcing himself on you. You wanted him even when you weren’t cornered and reciprocating that desire wouldn’t be more of a survival instinct than true yearning.”
“Are you hoping you really want him, or he really wants you?”
“I’m not sure,” Zane admitted. “Perhaps you can tell me, Narek. As an outsider looking in, how does it appear?”
Nate stared at him and then straightened from the table. “I don’t know anything about Pavel Hart—I don’t really know anything about you—but I know what it’s like to be hunted by a Devil. Can I give you some advice?”
“By all means.”
“Preferably without you lobbing threats my way after the fact.”
Zane grinned. “I like you, Narek. You’re a lot more interesting than I first assumed. Add that to the fact Kazimir is less than twenty feet away, and I can assure you, I pose you no danger. Speak your mind. Not many people have serious talks with me. This is…refreshing.” So much so, he was actually considering trying to befriend the other man for real.
“You’re not doing enough,” Nate stated. “This?” He indicated the café. “Everyone already knows Kaz and I are together. This won’t do the trick.”
“And what’s the trick?”
“Making him jealous. Jealous enough that you’re both able to figure out what you want from the other. You’re trying to push the two of you past your limits so you’re forced to decide—which is weird, by the way. Normal people can just figure out their own feelings without needing to manipulatethemselves into it, but whatever. If that’s your goal, you need to do something more impactful than meet up with your ex fuck buddy.”
He made a valid point.
The others were returning now, and Zane mulled it over. Basically, Nate was suggesting he go big or go home.
“What was the name of your friend again?” Zane asked the second Madden set down a fresh cup of coffee in front of him.
He quirked a brow. “Which one?”
“The one who hangs out with Muse.”
“Great?”
That…was a stupid name, but all right.
Nate’s eyes narrowed. “Hold on…”
“Can I get his number?” Zane sat there quietly when three sets of eyes—four, if he counted Pavel’s, who he could still feel from a distance out the window—turned on him.
“Why?” Madden didn’t bother hiding his suspicion.
“I’m going to ask him out on a date.”
Kazimir choked on a sip of his drink, while Nate sighed.
“I would just like it to be noted, that’s not what I meant,” Narek said. “I don’t want to be held responsible for an innocent person's maiming.”
“Noted.” Zane winked at him and then turned to Madden. “Well? Number. Thanks.”
According to Pavel, he had years of unrequited lust to be held to the test.
