Ursuline let out a low swear. “And yet she dragged you out here.”
I shrugged. “You’ve met Arielle. Try stopping her from doing what she wants.”
“Frederick’s about the only one who can rein her in, and barely,” they said, urging me forward as they moved. “I promise we won’t be heading anywhere like a club. They’re not my scene either.”
“What’s your ideal night?” I asked as we made our way toward the parking lot along the side of the building.
“Apart from spending it fucking a pretty boy within an inch of his life?” they teased, the heat behind their words setting me on fire. My balls ached, and my cock throbbed, pushing against the cage they had me in. Throughout the day, the cage had been all I could think about, and if anything, I was even hornier than before. The lights lit up on a silver car I recognized—the one that had taken me to the Triton Estate on that first day. “My favorite types of nights are relatively boring,” they said. “Going out for a dinner somewhere I’ve never tried before, the monthly game night at Cillian’s, or swimming out in the sea. I’m easy to please.”
My chest grew warm at their answers. I loved that they weren’t flashy. That their ideal lined up with mine. “What’s the monthly game night?”
“Sofia took me under her wing when I first arrived in Peregrine City,” Ursuline said as we reached their car. They opened the doors, and then they slipped into the driver’s seat. I hopped into the passenger side. The engine turned on, and away we went. “I’d never lived on the surface—not around so many humans either—and it was isolating. They introduced me to their collective of friends, and once a month we go to the Spires to play games in the upper levels.”
My jaw dropped. It wasn’t until they mentioned the Spires that I connected the dots between the Spires and Cillian. “You mean you’re friends with Cillian Ashmore?”
Ursuline cocked a brow. “Sunshine, he’s friends withme.”
The attitude was hot, and I was turned on beyond belief just from being in their proximity. And the fact I couldn’t do a damn thing for relief only fed into my state. I shifted back and forth in my seat, the ache inside me increasing.
“What’s your ideal night?” they asked.
My heart twisted. I’d grown so used to asking questions and getting none in return. Of giving interest but never receiving any care. Yet Ursuline changed all that. “Honestly? Swim. Curl up with someone and watch the sunset. Maybe wander through some galleries and discover new art. My lifestyle isn’t the flashy sort either.”’
“Mmm.” Their hum resonated through the car, settling in my bones. “We’re here.”
When I looked up, my lips stretched into a grin.
Haven Diner.
Chapter 18
“Ihave a surprise for you,” they said. “One that I think…hope…you’ll like.”
“More surprising than appearing at the club to whisk me away?” I asked, already in better spirits about where we were headed. Haven Diner had been a cozy spot the first time we’d come here, and I was happy to return.
“Yes, more surprising than that,” they responded dryly. “You sent me a cry for help. What else was I supposed to do?”
I swallowed hard. They’d done more than anyone else in my life, and I didn’t think they even realized how unique they were. Someone whose word was bond, who showed up when everyone else failed me.
“Come on,” they said as they pushed open their door. “We’ve got a visitor waiting inside.”
My brows drew together. A visitor? Who could want to see me?
Ursuline wouldn’t bring my parents. More likely, my parents would never go somewhere with Ursuline. Yet that concern grew as I stepped out of the car, the crisp air coating my skin. Who could they mean?
They headed toward the door, sure, confident, and I sucked in a sharp breath. So far, they’d only had my best interests at heart. I’d trust them in this.
Haven Diner’s neons glowed on the sign, and the chrome exterior caught the moonlight. The wide windows showcased the interior, which was filled with people this time of night. I strode up the walkway, and my stomach rumbled. I had been hungry before being tossed into the fray at the club, which had diminished it. Now my appetite started to return.
The slight scent of burnt sugar hit my nose as we approached, part of the spells that guarded this place. Ursuline swept the door open and gestured me in. I walked forward, and upon entering, the scent of cinnamon and safety greeted me. The place was warm, in a comfortable sort of way, and my shoulders sagged with relief, as if I could take a load off them.
“To the right,” Ursuline said, close enough that the heat of their breath tickled my ear.
I glanced to the booths lining the righthand side, the eye-catching purple and green.
However, someone in them snagged my attention.
He sat there with a cup of coffee, as casual as anything, even though I hadn’t seen him since the day I’d been spat up by the sea.
