“I hope you know how much I appreciate your help,” he said sincerely.
Andras paused mid-chew and said around his mouthful, “Oh?”
“I know you’re risking a lot to help me. It means a lot.”
Swallowing, Andras wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I told you, my life would be worth nothing if Zachariel found out I hadn’t offered my assistance.”
“Yeah, I don’t believe that’s the whole reason you’re helping me,” Drew declared.
“And pray tell, what other reason could I possibly have?” Andras asked archly. “It’s certainly not for the perks.”
“No, it’s because you’re secretly a good person,” Drew said.
Andras barked out a laugh, sending small flecks of spittle across the table. “Oh, precious, that’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard! You couldn’t possibly be more wrong.”
“No,” Drew disagreed. “I think youwanteveryone to think you’re a badass thief with a stony heart, but that’s not who you really are.”
“It really is.”
“Nope. I don’t believe it.” Drew gave Andras his most winning smile. “But don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me. I won’t tell a soul.”
1. 'Disguise us'
Chapter 17
Beaches and berries
“Ididn’t know you smoked.”
Kensington flinched at Zach’s words. He spun around to face him, his hands automatically ducking behind his back to hide the cigarette. “What are you doing out here?” he asked. He looked almost comically out of place in his long green robes with the yellow lining in the hood, hiding in the top corner of the rear garden, behind a low rhodo bush.
“Looking for you,” Zach said, like it was obvious.
“I just needed a moment,” Kensington admitted, bringing his hand back to his front so he could take a deep drag.
“I can see that,” Zach teased.
The Grand Master rolled his eyes. “Just don’t tell Simon I’m smoking again, or I’ll never hear the end of it. He nags worse than an old washerwoman.”
“Maybe he’s just concerned about your health?”
“Maybe he needs to mind his own damn business.”
Zach laughed. “Good luck with that. He’s like a mother hen.”
Kensington let out a long breath, along with his lungful of smoke, and gestured towards Zach. “What did you need?”
“I wanted to make sure you were okay. You seemed a little off-footed in there.”
Kensington groaned and dropped down to sit on a rock. “Just a bad day,” he muttered.
“You’re going to get your robes dirty,” Zach warned.
“Are you my mother?” Kensington snapped.
“No, I thought that was Simon,” Zach drawled. “Seriously, though. I’m a little worried. You’re not acting yourself. What’s up?”
“Besides the fact that my protégé is in Hell, by himself, dodging demons, and I’m stuck here arguing with a power-hungry wannabe who enjoys sticking his nose in places it’s not welcome?”
