And just like that, I was free.
“That waschef’s kiss,sugar booger!” Zane grinned like a cat who’d just watched a bird break its own wing.
“Very impressive, Serafina Cimmerian.” Koa took my hand and squeezed it gently.
Casimir only watched me, sharp-eyed and thoughtful.
“Are you satisfied, my love?”
“Yes.” I exhaled. “Yes, I am, Simmy.Verysatisfied.”
“Good.”
#
The library welcomed me with the comforting scent of leather-bound books and wood polish. After a hot shower, I’d opted for soft black pants and a long-sleeved t-shirt instead of another dress. The cold lake water hadn’t helped my constant chills, and I craved warmth, so I’d stolen one of Zane’s hoodies, partly to warm me up, but mostly for the comfort of his night phlox scent. It made me think of his crooked grin, his wildness, and his messy red hair.
My husbands were waiting for me in the library, Zane and Koa also freshly showered and smelling much better than they had half an hour ago.
“She stole Steve!” Zane announced dramatically to his brothers, pointing at me. “Of all the hoodies to pick, she made a great choice.”
I looked down at the plain navy blue fabric, which wasn’t even printed with one of his usual crazy slogans. I’d learned that his entire wardrobe was a treasure trove of silly statements, each more outrageous than the last. His current t-shirt, for example, read, “Therapy isn’t enough. I need to bite people.”
“It’s just a normal hoodie, Zoodle,” I said, puzzled. “Why is it named Steve?”
“Because everything Zane loves gets a name,” Koa explained, his lips quirking. “His motorcycle is Beatrice, his assault rifle is Lurleen, his favorite game system is Herbert, and apparently that hoodie is Steve.”
“We have more important things to discuss than Zane’s quirks,” Casimir said evenly.
He stood near the crackling fireplace in Professor stance: Arms crossed, shoulders squared, chin up. His long blond hair was pulled back into a messy bun at the nape of his neck, and he wore a gray henley that looked tailored to his lean waist.
Zane patted the space between himself and Koa on the leather couch. I settled between them, and without thinking, my fingers sought theirs, twining together in a motion that had become as natural as breathing.
“Where’s Brummy?” I asked, realizing I hadn’t seen my baby since our return from the basement.
“Still outside with his prize,” Zane laughed, his thumb stroking absently across my knuckles. “That crawfish claw is going to be his favorite chew toy for at least another hour.”
“Seri.” Casimir gaze locked with mine. “Which of us should handle Eluned’s primary interrogation? Who do you think would be most effective with her?”
My eyebrows flew up. Yes, I’d known Eluned far longer than any of them, but they valuedmyopinion on something they’d probably done a thousand times before?
That warmed something deep in my chest. I wasn’t an expert on my husbands yet. We’d been married just under three weeks, after all. I was, however, comfortable enough with them to recognize their strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, I trusted them implicitly.
“Zoodle, of course. He can find the cracks in her madness and widen them.” As Zane smirked at them triumphantly, I quickly explained my reasoning. “Koko, she’d drive you to lose your temper so you’d kill her quickly.” I squeezed his hand to soften the words. “And Simmy, your logic won’t work on someone who has no reasoning left.”
“I have better composure than Zane. He’s likely to sink to her level and get distracted with petty exchanges.” Casimir looked mildly insulted, and I rolled my eyes.
“That’s the point! It takes a little crazy to understand crazy.”
Koa’s laughter was like warm honey, and even Casimir covered his dry bark of a laugh with the back of his fist. Zane made asound that was half-offended gasp, half-laugh, looking both insulted and proud. Slinging his arm around my shoulders, he pulled me closer with a wolfish grin.
“Flatter me more, darling,” he purred.
“You’re unpredictable in a way that will keep her off-balance. You understand how madness breathes.”
“Damn.” Casimir let out a low whistle. “Very insightful, little wife.”
“I could keep my temper, beloved,” Koa protested, even though he didn’t sound like he entirely believed it himself. “I won’t let her get to me again.”
