The Basilica was barely at our backs when a deep voice called from behind us.
“Lucas!”
I knew who it was, but even if I didn’t, I could hardly ignore my name being bellowed over the midday hubbub.
“Beck!”
I stopped. Not because I wanted to. Not because he deserved it. But because my heart still responded to that voice with the ache of a bruise being pressed.
My jaw clenched. I adjusted my arms to hold Zephyr tighter, then I turned.
Stefano strode down the steps in a beam of sunlight, his damn wings spread wide enough to draw eyes. People parted for him. Some brazenly stared, others backed away.
I should’ve kept walking, but some part of me—the stupid, bleeding part—waited.
When he reached us, breathless and flushed, I turned my shoulder. But I didn’t actuallymove.
“Lucas.” His hand entered my peripheral, fingers stretching toward my arm.
I shifted before he could touch me. “Whatever you want to say, Stefano, don’t bother,” I said. “I’ve seen enough. You’vedoneenough.”
“I didn’t do this,” he said quickly. “I wouldn’t.”
“No?” Indignation spun me around. “So, you’renotdealing in demon energy? Buying it wholesale from Maslow like you’re stocking a fucking vending machine?”
The angel’s ivory skin splotched with red.
Good. He deserved to be ashamed.
“That wasn’t my idea,” he said.
I laughed without humor. “Let me guess: Antonella.”
The mention of his sister set him back. Despite the angels being formed fully grown, he acted like a child when it came to her. Always following her orders and footsteps, even when they led him into trouble.
“She has a vision,” he defended weakly.
“She hasdelusions,” I corrected. “And she has your spine in a jar on her desk. She always did. Looks like she always will.”
I was ready to go. Really, I was. The timing of this unhappy reunion could not have been worse. I didn’t want to waste my energy on Stefano when Zephyr needed me. And I was more aware than ever that I needed him too.
Before I could depart, Stefano spoke again. “Lucas, I-I can’t tell you how long I’ve thought about this. You. Us. I planned…” His brow creased under the fringe of silver hair. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
“For a hundred years?” I snapped. “What’s kept you? I wasn’t hiding. I live right across the damn street.”
His wings rustled. “I know. I’m sorry. For so many things. Including that debacle upstairs. I didn’t realize he was…” He glanced at Zephyr, who was slumped against my chest with his head tucked under my chin. “Important to you.”
“Who said he was?” The words came out brittle and false, too obviously a denial. I shook my head, jaw aching with how hard I gritted my teeth.
I thought back to the poker match I should have lost. Stefano threw the game intentionally; I was sure of it. Was he trying to curry my forgiveness? It was far too late for that.
“Why did you fold?” I asked finally.
“I thought you had me beat.”
I scoffed. “I assure you, I didn’t.”
Stefano gave a slight nod and let his gaze drop with it. “It seemed like it mattered more to you.”
