“You don’t have to.”
He gestured to Rys and Gabriel. “Well, one of us does, so take your pick.” He had that stubborn set to his jaw, the one that meant nothing would change his mind, and I shouldn’t have been too surprised.
“Fine, but keep your commentary to a minimum.”
His eyes danced with amusement. “I have no idea what you mean.”
I ignored him and started walking.
I ignored the curious glances sent my way too, not interested in taking anyone up on the offers they were making.
Dathal obviously noticed. “Wow,” he murmured as we approached the dance floor. “Do you know how many hearts you’ve crushed in the last minute alone?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“I count ten at least.”
“Stop it.”
“That guy in the purple shorts is definitely your type. Tall, blond…shifter.”
I turned to glare at him. “This.Thisis what I meant.”
We stopped at the edge of the mass of people writhing to music reverberating around the club. I scanned the sea of faces, knowing I wouldn’t find him there, and barely resisted a look up at the balcony above us.
Dathal had no such reservations, but thankfully, he was subtle. I hadn’t noticed him look anywhere but at me when he leant in close. “He’s above to the right in case you were wondering.”
“Who?”
“Really, Cousin?”
My skin prickled, knowing Talis could probably see us. I wondered if he was watching right now or if he gave us a cursory glance and then moved on? I wanted to see for myself but kept my eyes on the dance floor. “It’s not going to happen, D.”
Dathal took a moment to answer, and when he did, I wished he’d not bothered. “You could still be friends though.”
I grimaced before I caught myself, and his laughter was immediate.
“You are so full ofmh’alth,” he whispered into my ear. “Remember when I started things with Nick and you were full ofgoodadvice?”
“Most of which you ignored,” I muttered.
He shrugged a shoulder, nudging me. “I said it was good advice, just not in my case, obviously.”
“Obviously.”
“Well,Ihave some advice for you now.”
His expression turned serious, and I groaned. “And you’re going to tell it to me now?” I gestured to the paranormal patrons filling the club, a good percentage of which had excellent hearing. Not to mention the one upstairs who I was desperate to sneak a look at.
“I have it on good authority that it’s almost impossible to hear a whisper over the sound of the music, unless you’re close by and actively trying to listen. Besides…” He leant in close and murmured in fae,“They won’t understand a word I’m saying anyway.”
I turned to look at him, eyebrow raised.“Wow, Dathal, you’re such a rebel these days. Lady S would be appalled. I’m beginning to think Nick is a bad influence on you.”
He grinned. “The worst.”
I glanced around us, looking for any fellow fae, but saw none. Not that any would be able to hear us—we didn’t have shifter senses—but I’d still rather not be caught speaking our language outside of the realm. The odd curse word was one thing, but a full-blown conversation? We could get in serious trouble for that.
Satisfied we were safe, I sighed, knowing I’d regret it, but curiosity made me say the words. “Go on then, tell me.”
