I was far more interested in the passing sights outside than making small talk—something that couldn’t be said for the rest of the company as they bantered among themselves.
Gossipy busybodies . . .
A gaze lingered on me, itching my skin.
“I don’t recall telling ya how beautiful you look tonight.Hope that wasn’t all for me?” Lochlainn attempted a charming smile, but it was looking more and more equivalent to a grin a clown would flash after making you a balloon dog.
I rolled my eyes.
“Good attempt at kissing my ass, but it doesn’t suit you.”
He winked, grin widening even farther.
“Ohhhh I think kissing your ass would suit me just fine. In fact, I?—”
“Don’t!” I held a finger up. “Donotfinish that sentence!”
I fidgeted with the tie on my coat. Other ears were listening.
He chuckled darkly, “Oh come on, love. Truce?” He made a pouty face at odds with his rugged beard. “Water under the bridge and all that?”
Love.He flung that word around so often that there wasn’t a doubt in my mind he’d never actually cracked a dictionary open to read what it meant.
Finley disregarded Lochlainn, cutting in.
“With a gift like yours, I don’t blame you for erring on the side of caution. I want ya to know I’d never say anything. And if any of the others do—I promise they’ll be dealt with personally.” A blond lock fell over his eye, lips pulling into a tight line.
“Thanks, Fin.” I offered an appreciative smile.
Keeffe grinned ear to ear, leaning in.
“I still can’t believe it! I never would have guessed ya were from Hallow Land. Not to mention—a fecking Soulsayer! Do you know howbadassthat is?”
“I don’t know about that.” My laugh was skeptical. “I’m still in the early stages of learning to control it. Hard to do when teachers are scarce.” I shrugged.
He whirled toward Pogue. “You’re from Hallow Land. Maybe you know a thing or two that could help her?”
Excuse me? He’s from?—
I whipped my head around in disbelief.
“Wait, you’re from Hallow Land?”
Pogue sharply exhaled.
“Yes,” he said flatly.
Silence.
My eyebrows shot upwards, giving him a look that said,seriously, that’s it?
He crossed his arms, leaning back in the leather seat.
“From a small town you’ve probably never heard of. There was nothing there for me. When things changed after the collapse of Loveland, and lands opened their portals to outsiders, I decided to start a new life.” His eyes darted out the window. “And no, I’m not going totrainher on something she should have learned as a child.”
Ah, there it is. The asshole mask is back on! Maybe I should call it his assmask . . . or maskhole? Assmask kind of has a ring to it.
“As thoughtful as it is for Keeffe to consider that—I wasn’t asking. Besides, I know a terrible teacher when I see one.” I looked him up and down. “Hard pass.”
