Ross studied that expression, not knowing which way the man would jump.He could easily choose to ignore it, as Séverin clearly intended not to disclose this.
But that wasn’t what Jarek chose to do.He snagged Séverin by the arm and hauled him ten feet away, creating some distance between them and everyone else.Then he showed Séverin his screen.Ross was too far away to really hear the words, but he could read them off the man’s lips, sort of.Do you still feel this way?
Séverin’s back was to Ross, but his body language shouted nerves.Still, he nodded jerkily.
Jarek hauled him in immediately, kissing him hot enough that steam nearly came off of them.
Ohhh?Well, now, that was an interesting spin.Ross hadn’t quite intended for that to happen.But on reflection, glad it did.Even if Séverin did kind of irritate him.
Glenn came back to his side, pointing to the new couple now making out.“What did you do, a stór?”
“I may have sent the love letter to Jarek.”Ross shrugged, not apologetic even as Glenn rolled his eyes in exasperation.It did amuse him that Glenn so obviously could recognize his work in a glance.“What?Séverin pissed me off with how he spoke to you.And with his general stupidity today.I figured a little revenge was in order, but it turns out I did him a favor.”
“Apparently so.”
Jarek finally came back, Séverin tucked in against his side.He gave Ross a nod.“My thanks.This one would never have said anything, apparently.”
Séverin looked sheepish but didn’t disagree.
Ross decided to take the brownie points and run with it.“You’re welcome.But let’s get this finished up and get out of here before something does decide to go wrong.”
Either Fate decided to take the night off, or something, because it all went smoothly.Everything was pulled out and verified, Eidolon closed up the museum as if nothing had happened, and they made the hacker-in-training’s bedtime.Ross considered it a miracle.And absolutely did not complain.
He waited until they were driving back to the house, Glenn at the wheel, before poking his lover.“And might I ask what it was you so adamantly wanted kept secret?”
Glenn was back to blushing and studiously only looking at the road.
“It can’t bethatbad,” Ross protested, eyes rolling in a bid for patience.
“It’s not something I want you to see.”
Ross eyed him in question.Glenn still looked horribly embarrassed, no matter his reassurances.“Okay, I’m not going to push, as you’re clearly willing to swallow glass rather than give me details.I just have to know.Is this kinky shit you’re hiding, or more like you can’t believe you were ever that naïve?”
“More the latter,” Glenn admitted.
“Ah.Cause if it was kinky shit, I was going to be very mad.Because you know you can be kinky with me.”
A smile came back onto Glenn’s face.“I know, a stór, and it’s one of the things I appreciate about you.That, and your ability to wrangle stubborn vampires.I’m just as glad we’re now romantically attached.Jarek was quite serious about hiring you away from me.”
Ross snorted.“Not on your life.I’m still getting you guys trained.Like hell do I want to start over.”
Not taking offense at this, Glenn chuckled.“And there’s that, too, I suppose.”
They ended back at Glenn’s house, even Jarek, who was invited to come over and drink the night’s success.Glenn pulled out the vodka and several shot glasses, they gathered around the kitchen island like old friends, and Glenn poured them all a glass.
“To a successful night,” Glenn offered.
“Za zda-ró-vye!”Ivan agreed before throwing the shot back.
“Cheers,” Jarek and Ross said in unison before drinking theirs.
Wow.That was the smoothest vodka Ross had ever tried.Amazing stuff.
Glenn poured them all another glass, giving Jarek a sideways look that was pure challenge.“Remember that conversation we had, several months back, about cooperation between everyone resulting in less confusion and conflict?And how we could support each other if given a chance to do so?”
Jarek took the glass, a long-suffering expression on his face.“Yes, yes, I can see from this that we need to open better communication channels.Your Ross especially seems good at that.Speaking for my own people, we’ll try.And I’ll put in a good word with everyone else.And, Eidolon, the next time I need something retrieved, can I call on you?”
Eidolon beamed at him.“Please do.”
