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That Draven and I could build a life together.

That we could be—happy.

Draven didn’t reply, he eyed the other male with distaste and growled under his breath. He may be starting to trust me, but he still didn’t love my kind, and that might never change.

I made myself focus on why I was here. I’d asked Penny to look into the historical records and let me know if there was mention of any old cottages in that area of the woods I’d been compelled to go to. She’d called, and not only did she have something, she’d told me where I’d find Sartori. His secretary liked to gossip. And with Kristi Charles missing now as well, I wanted to question the guy. I didn’t trust him. And since he was currently here cheating on his wife, I’d say my character assessment was spot on.

The female with him said something then stood, and headed for the bathroom.

“Let’s go.”

Cesare looked up and stilled as we approached, his gaze narrowing. “I know you.” He looked me up and down. “You’re a Thornheart, yes? What on earth do you want?”

Draven growled again.

Not surprising, when somehow, Cesare had managed to inject a huge amount of arrogance into every single word.

“Yep, that’s me.”

His gaze slid to Draven, then darted to the bathroom. “If you think you can intimidate me into rubber stamping your mother’s request, you’re wasting your breath. It’s not up to me. Forcing my hand won’t get you anywhere.”

Draven frowned. “What’s he talking about?”

This sure as hell wasn’t the place to talk about this. I studiously avoided Draven’s stare and looked back at Sartori. “That’s not why I’m here. But I’d like a few minutes of your time.”

“I’m busy. You’re interrupting my evening.”

My temper flared. I was so done. I’d be subtler if I believed this asshole had feelings, but he didn’t, and I couldn’t afford to be cautious anymore. “Did you have anything to do with Amy’s disappearance, councilor?”

He jerked back in his seat, and his face reddened.

“I beg your pardon?” A twitch started just below his eye.

“I need to find who’s behind the disappearances, and you’re on my list.”

He shot out of his seat, and Draven stepped forward, pulling me behind him with a snarl.

“It’s okay, he can’t hurt me, not in here,” I said. “The bar’s witch owned and warded in a way that prevents people from using spells to harm.” A lot of witch owned bars did the same, mainly to stop people from drunk spelling.

Sartori planted his hands on the table and leaned forward. “Leave,” he bit out.

Draven took another step forward, and I grabbed on to his arm again, but there was no stopping him, and he dragged me along with him. Might as well go with it.

“Either you talk or Draven makes you talk.”

Sartori stumbled back several steps. “You dare to threaten me?”

“Yes, I dare. Now talk.” Though spending even this short amount of time with the guy had changed my mind. I couldn’t imagine him doing anything that would get his hands dirty. And he was too vain to do anything that big, that monumental, and not let everyone know about it.

His gaze moved back to Draven, and he wisely decided to start talking. Not surprising, this man would throw his own mother in front of a bus rather than get a hair out of place.

“I don’t know where Amy is, and I have a witness to prove my whereabouts the night she was taken, the nights the others were taken as well.”

“Your wife?” I asked.

He flushed. “No.”

“Ah…your mistress then.”