I watch the flicker of annoyance in Tex’s expression but he’s smart enough not to say anything.
Good thing.
I’m looking for any excuse to punch him.
“Short-term, Allora is going to stay here,” Daniil says. “We’ve fixed up a room in the back. It’s sparse but private and you’ll be safe here. Luna is working on arrangements in Denver, and we’ll figure something else out for when you get back.”
Allora eventually leaves the room, with the guy they call Metal trailing behind her. I’m about to follow when Silver stops me.
“Grim.” He puts a hand on my arm. “Just want you to know I appreciate you keeping my girl safe.”
I nod. “Of course.”
“I’m counting on you not to let anything happen in Denver.” His gaze is direct and intense.
“Like I told her, the only way they get to her is if I’m dead.”
If he’s surprised by that, he doesn’t show it. “Thank you.”
“Don’t fuck it up,” Tex adds, joining the conversation. “Or you’ll have me to answer to.”
I turn, arching a brow at him. “Like I just said, the only way they get to her is if I’m already dead, so you’re the least of my worries.” The insult is veiled, but I know he gets it because his eyes narrow.
“I’ve already talked to him,” Silver says, deflecting. “Let me say goodbye to Allora and then we’ll get out of here.”
The two of them file out and I follow more slowly.
“You look like you’re ready to skin him alive,” Rage murmurs from behind me.
“Believe me, I wish he’d give me a reason.Anyreason to break his nose.”
Rage chuckles. “Yeah, I’d like to take a swing myself.”
“What a fucking douche.”
We get out to the reception area, and I see Allora chatting with Metal, her demeanor much more relaxed than it tends to be with Tex, and Tex is watching them in obvious irritation.
“What do you think that’s about?” Rage asks quietly.
“No idea.”
A few minutes later Silver, Tex, and Metal are gone and Allora goes over to chat with Luna. The two of them seem to be getting friendly, which is a good thing. She needs women to talk to right now, even if they don’t discuss anything about her attack. It’s more about some semblance of normalcy than anything else and Allora seems like the type of woman who has a lot of friends.
“Anything you want to tell me?” Rage asks as we head into the back to work out.
“No. Why?”
He chuckles. “Come on, this is me. You think I didn’t notice the state you were in when you answered the door this morning?”
Jesus. Fucking. Christ.
“Mind your own business,” I mutter.
“Dude, I’m not busting your balls. I just want to make sure you’ve thought this through.”
“Seriously?” I scowl. “Of course I’ve fucking thought this through. Besides, it was just a kiss. Nothing serious.”
“Serious enough for you to want to fly across the table and knock the snot out of Tex.”
