“Twenty seconds.”
My heart is pounding. Lucas is going to be mad. If it were just the amulet, he wouldn’t care, but Valen wants to be let in. That means we’ll be a team.
“Fifteen.”
Tick. Tick. Tick.
I squeeze my eyes shut.Fuck it all to hell.“Fine!” My heart stutters and I release a slow breath. Turning from the wall, I meet Valen’s gaze. “I’ll take that deal.”
Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe Lucas will see reason. Maybe it will all work out.
My hand extends. Valen’s smooth palm meets mine, his fingers curling around in a firm grip. Our magics twine together in an intoxicating dance, sealing the deal. I shiver, heat melding confusingly with the cold unease of a binding agreement.
Valen smirks darkly at me, worsening these sensations. “I look forward to working together, Tori.”
CHAPTER 15
This is probably the most dysfunctional team in the history of dysfunctional teams. We haven’t gotten farther than the hallways outside the guest bedrooms, and already Lucas and Valen are scowling at each other, pure hatred rolling off the two men in acrid waves.
I rub my temples. A headache is blooming and there’s no sign that it’ll dissipate anytime soon. I clear my throat and smooth the dress I slipped on over the blue corset. The weight of it is made tolerable only by my refusal to add the customary layers of under-skirting. After all, I don’t want to wear a dress; Imustwear a dress. Otherwise, I risk Valen figuring out that I was seducing him for my schemes earlier.
Unfortunately, without the proper under-attire, the hem is a touch too long with my boots. The matching heels would help, but I’m not wearing fucking heels. I’d rather Valen discover my trickery and turn me into a glacier.
At least there’s a belt that I was able to fasten a pouch to. My loupe, notebook, and pen sit within just in case.
My collarbones are cold, the drop sleeves leaving my shoulders exposed. Lucas practically tripped over himself whenhe saw me. I mouthed silently with a threatening glare, “Not a fucking word.”
Blessedly, he kept all his little comments to himself.
I clear my throat but fail to break the thick tension in the air. “Perhaps we should discuss the plan. I believe the sphinx will be our most challenging obstacle, unless Valen knows the answer to the riddle?”
Valen’s jaw flickers. “I do not.”
Lucas smirks tauntingly and Valen’s eye twitches when he says, “Useless already.”
I rub my temples harder. Lucas did not take the news of my deal well, though he did a decent job hiding it from me. No, it’s Valen he lets his ire out on.
Valen’s lip curls. “And I’m guessing you have some sort of plan? Enlighten us.”
“We put it to sleep.”
I scoff. “That’s a terrible plan!”
Valen smiles. “I like it.” He extends his hand down the hall. “Please, to the museum. Tori and I will be right behind you.”
I scowl. “We are not going to attempt to put asphinxto sleep. You just want Lucas to get eaten.”
Valen’s grin widens. “Oh, no. We’re a team. Please. This way.”
Lucas rolls his eyes and shifts his weight. “It’ll be tricky, but I think I can hold her. The problem is, I don’t know how long she’ll stay under, so I’ll need to stay near her to maintain it.”
I wonder if I drank a steaming mug of crazy instead of coffee when I awoke. “No! I may need your assistance getting through any protective enchantments or curses on the amulet.”
Lucas’ eyes glint. “You doubt your ex can help?” Sarcasm drips. “So glad we’re taking him along.”
My head tilts back and I pray to the heavens for patience. “Can wepleasefocus.” Strands of my loose hair fall into my face when I glare at them. “I have an idea.”
A hand brushes my cheek and I jump, eyes darting to Lucas. He tucks the strand back behind my ear. “Excellent.” His fingers linger, my skin tingling from where his thumb strokes me. His smile makes my breath catch. “I love how your devious mind works.”
