Gods spare him from my wrath this instant.
He fished in his pocket and dangled a coin between his fingers, bait glittering in the morning light. “First drink and story are on me.”
My lip curled in humor. Nineteen-year-old me might’ve melted at the offer. Now, even the curse inside me chuckled.
“No deal.”
His face cracked, reformed into bravado. “I’ll beg,” he threatened. “Right here, on my knees, Verena. Embarrass you in front of the whole damned village.”
I exhaled through my nose, already sharpening the scowl snapping past his shoulder. Duke’s eyes,finally, landed on mine. About time.
He murmured low into Callum’s ear, and my brother’s stride angled back toward us.
Reve leaned closer, hands pressed together, pout painted across his tanned face. “So?”
I rolled my eyes skyward, regret sinking its claws in before the word even left my lips. “Fine.”
Curiosity was my ruin.
Maybe this stranger at the pub truly knew something. Secrets meant for me, truths I was destined to claim. But if she didn’t, if this was nothing but a scam for coin and attention, then I would show her just how true the rumors of my blood truly was.
He sagged with victory. “You won’t regret it.” His gaze flicked over my shoulder. “Hey, man.”
Callum stepped in, hand clasping Reve’s with practiced calm. His presence was a wall, just as Duke’s arm slung casual possession over my shoulders.
And Reve, whether he noticed or not, was suddenly outnumbered.
The scent of honey and cinnamon floated up from Duke’s hand, washing away the brine of Reve’s stench.
Reve’s glare skimmed, narrowing in on Duke for a moment too long before he said, “I have to run, but I’ll see you soon.” He winked at me and I hid a grimace before he turned on his heel and left.
Duke only smiled, eyes alight with mischief, his arm drawing tighter around my neck.
Callum lifted a finger at the notion. “Alright, enough of that.”
I dropped my arms dramatically, shoving them out to either side. “Did no one notice myhelp meeyes for the last two minutes?”
Duke bit into his pastry with zero shame. “Looked more likefuck meeyes.”
My palm slammed into his gut. “They most certainly did the fuck not.” He groaned, crumbs scattering down his shirt. “Don’t be gross. And where wasthissense of humor when I was late the other day?”
Callum snapped toward us. “Come again?”
Duke’s eyes widened, chewing faster, stuffing another bite into his mouth as if the pastry could save him.
My lips parted to answer, but not one damn excuse was found on my tongue.
Callum’s arms folded across his chest, his lips pressed into a hard line.
I only shrugged, turning away with innocence as Duke waved us off with a laugh, already veering toward a girl waiting by the bakery. She was small and beautiful, with thick curly hair and eyes like his. She squealed when he picked her up, tossing her over his shoulder.
“Let’s go,” Callum muttered.
But my feet stayed rooted when my attention shifted. No longer on Duke, not on Callum.
It was on Reve.
On the note he too casually, too smoothly, slid into the pocket of a one-eyed guard when he thought no one was watching.
