“A damn fine dinner,” Aethan retorted. “Too bad we’re almost done.”
“Can I get you anything?” the hostess breathed, setting a menu at Týr’s elbow. She poured water in his glass, champagne in another, her gaze fixed on his face.
That the woman had a mind left to know when to stop filling, definitely surprised Darci, or Týr would have probably ended up with his pants wet.
“No.” He dismissed her without glancing at her.
After one look at the reason for the disturbance, Kira went back to finishing her dessert. Grace had finally managed to pull her gaze away and tackle her pudding.
Nope, Darci couldn’t even blame her sister-in-law or the waitress. The Heavens had truly been having a fine day when creating him. Týr possessed not only the allure of the gods but also an impossible beauty that was wholly masculine and drew men and women like a magnet with his pale hair, toffee-hued eyes, and sharp-edged jawline.
She introduced him to her family. “Týr, my brother, Declan, his wife, Grace, and my nephew, Daniel.”
“Nice meeting you all.” Another dazzling smile popped up the dimples. “I’m glad I didn’t miss the last part.” He glanced around and rose to his feet, sporting what Blaéz called ashit-eating grin, and planted his palms on the table. “I have something to say.”
The noise quieted. A low growl rumbled out of Blaéz. “I’m going to kill him,” he muttered under his breath as the warrior shot a smirk his way.
“I never thought I’d ever be at an event like this, ever, but leave it to my comrade to do the unexpected. Blaéz…” His eyes gleamed with devilment. “I’ve been working on this er, speech for a while, as you know. So, here goes. Roses are red”—everyone froze. Daniel snickered. Grace shushed him—“violets are blue, but watching your face is so fuuu-huh—er, darn brilliant,”he hastily corrected, grinning unrepentantly and making Darci smile.
“That’s the worst poem I’ve ever heard,” Aethan told him, leaning back in his chair.
Unfazed, Týr lifted his champagne flute. “Darci, you’ve given my friend a chance at a life again. I wish you both health, happiness, and a bunch of spawns to addle his brain and give him gray hairs. Peace out, brother.” He winked at them.
Laughter erupted. Unable to stop her own grin, Darci patted Blaéz’s hard thigh. His muscles clenched beneath her fingers, and he shifted in his seat, a tick working his jaw. Yep, no matter his irritation at his fellow warrior, the hunger brewing between them kept him on the same edge as her.
Two days,he mind-linked with her.
Or now.
He stilled.You surrendering?
She couldn’t resist.You sound desperate.
He snorted and drank some of his whiskey.We wait. Two days,a leannan,and you’re in loads of trouble.
Can’t wait,she teased, playing with the small cross she wore on a gold chain. The corner of his mouth kicked up in a faint smile. The pendant slipped free and fell into her lap. Frowning, she picked it up and sighed. “The clasp’s loose again.”
“Let me see.” Blaéz took it from her. As he examined the closure, Darci rose to her feet. “I’ll be right back.”
“Where are you going?” He looked up, pocketing her chain and cross.
“The ladies’ room, love.” She patted his arm and picked up her purse. “I need to freshen up.” It sounded so much better than saying,I urgently need to pee, with people around.
Echo and Kira shot up. “Us, too,” they said in unison.
Aethan rose a second before Blaéz did. “I’ll accompany them.”
The moment they stepped into the restroom, Echo burst out laughing. “Man, I loved Týr’s sonnet, but he nearly gave Blaéz a heart attack.”
“Týr probably planned that,” Darci said wryly. “Can’t say I blame him because I know Blaéz likes yanking his chain.”
“It was awful,” Kira muttered, her tone tart, then she grinned, her dimples appearing like small dents in her cheeks. “But it sure was fun watching Blaéz’s reaction. He looked like he wanted to leap over the table and strangle him or something.”
Laughing, Darci headed for a stall. More doors shut.
A short while later, hands washed, she reapplied her tinted cherry lip-balm. Kira appeared. “Did you get a photographer yet?”
“Yes.” Darci nodded, putting the lip-balm back in her bag as Echo joined them, using the faucet next to her. “Shae said she would do it…” She glanced at Echo through the mirror and frowned. Her friend appeared a little distracted this evening. “Are you all right?”
