“About the two of you? Hell no! That’s your job. I’m going back to lie to him. I have no idea what I’m going to say. But I will give you both some advice. The longer you wait, the worst this will get. Tell him soon. Rip off the band-aid.”
Thorn knew he was right. They needed to face this.
He inclined his head to Shadow before he returned and left him alone with Simi.
“What are you planning, Thorny?”
“Nothing really.” Because he just realized that while he’d confessed his love for her, she hadn’t said it back.
A part of him was tempted to keep her regardless. But that wasn’t fair to her, especially if she didn’t love him in turn.
No, he could never hurt his Simi.
Fine then. He’d go to Acheron and, if he was lucky, the Atlantean might finally put him out of his misery.
Ash paced the small living room of his daughter’s condo while he waited for Shadow’s return. And he better return hauling a demon in his wake.
Otherwise, Acheron was going to go into Azmodea, consequences be damned.
“It’ll be okay, Poppy. Shadow’s got this.”
Ash offered Mia a smile. “Thank you, Miakey.”
Smiling back, she flounced off toward her bedroom. Thorn was lucky neither of his grandkids or daughter had been harmed in the fighting.
“Ash?” Tory asked in a chiding tone. “What are you doing?”
He hated that his wife could see through him so easily. “I’m on the verge of taking a trip.”
“Don’t you dare! Not unless you want me to go with you.”
And she would, too. He knew that for a fact. Tory was the most obstinate person he’d ever met.
Suddenly, a flash lit the room as Shadow returned.
Ash stood up. “What happened?”
“Simi’s safe.”
“But?” Acheron asked.
“No buts. She’s safe and Thorn will return her. He promised.”
“You sure?”
Shadow nodded. “Give them a little time.”
Those silver eyes turned red. “I’m not a patient being.”
“I know, but rushing this will only play into the hands of the two gods your mother hates most.”
He was right and Ash hated him for it. “Fine. But they better not make me wait too long.”
“How long can I keep you before Acheron gets stupid?”
Simi snorted. “Akri probably passed that point two seconds after you grabbed me.”
He had a feeling she was right.
