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Vinca and Giguhl looked like they hadn’t moved from the couch since I’d left. A pizza box sat on the table in front of them, the lid open to reveal a few discarded crusts and one greasy piece of pizza. Looked like Giguhl won the great anchovy debate after all.
“Hey guys,” I said. My eyes scanned the place for signs of Adam. Only the faint scent of sandalwood remained.
Giguhl, who lay with his distended, fleshy belly in the air, didn’t move his eyes from the screen but managed to raise a paw in greeting. Vinca jerked at the sound of my voice. “Hey, Sabina. I didn’t hear you come in.”
“What are you watching?” I craned my neck to see the TV, but Vinca clicked it off with the remote. Giguhl protested but she ignored him.
“Just some ridiculous mortal movie,” she said. Her pink cheeks made me suspicious.
“Which one?”
“I don’t remember the title,” she said, suddenly very interested in a piece of lint on her pants.
“Oh, shut up,” Giguhl said. “It was The Lord of the Rings.” He stood slowly and stretched, his alarmingly large belly wobbling as he did so.
Vinca’s eyes shot to mine. I grinned at her. “Don’t be embarrassed. That elf was hot.”
A giggle escaped her. “Damn straight.”
“My favorite is that Sauron,” Giguhl said. “That dude knows from evil.”
Vinca shot him a glance and shook her head. “So, where did you head off to in such a hurry?”
“Just grabbed some dinner,” I said. “Needed some fresh air.”
She lifted an eyebrow. “Hmm, I wonder why? Wouldn’t have to do with a certain sexy hexy, would it?”
“If you mean the annoying ass**le who was here earlier, yes.”
Vinca and Giguhl traded a glance and then looked at me. “Please,” Giguhl said. “You’re so hot for that mancy you’re about to spontaneously combust.”
I ignored them both and went to the kitchen to grab a drink. Vinca followed me. “Do you want to talk about it?”
I popped the top to a soda and shook my head. “Nope. Nothing to talk about.”
“So you aren’t mad I was flirting with him?”
I hopped up on the counter and took a long swallow. The bubbles burned a path down my throat. “You were flirting with him? Hmm, didn’t notice.”
“Really? I must be losing my touch. After you left, I was throwing some of my best moves out there. He didn’t even seem to notice, so I finally gave up.”
“Maybe he’s g*y,” I said. Who was I kidding? The male fairly reeked of heterosexuality—the kind that made a female’s naughty bits tingle.
Vinca snorted. “Right. That’s why he was sporting wood when you came out of the bedroom.”
I choked on my drink, sputtering. “What?”
“Oh come on, Sabina. When you two walked out of there you looked guilty and he looked about ready to explode. It’s so obvious you’re into him.”
“Please. I am not.” And I meant it. I wasn’t exactly one to giggle and fawn over a guy just because he had a nice face and an amazing ass. Besides, Adam was a mage. I didn’t even want to think about the Freudian ramifications of being interested in a mage. After all, it had worked out so well for my mother. Not to mention, I could barely fit into the same room as Adam’s ego. That guy had a serious attitude problem.
Vinca leaned into the counter, eyeing me. “Whatever you say. But I predict you two will do the deed before the next full moon.”
I rolled my eyes. Thus far, Vinca’s prophecy skills left a lot to be desired. Of course, this time it worked in my favor since there was no way I was going to do the nasty with that pompous, arrogant mage.
“Good thing you’re not a gambler. I hate taking money from innocents,” I said.
“We’ll see,” she said. We were quiet for a moment, the only sound in the apartment was Giguhl’s snores echoing from the living room. When she finally spoke again, Vinca was more serious. “I want to help with the rescue mission.”
I’d been mid-sip again, but managed to swallow before I answered. “No way.”
“Come on, Sabina. You know you could use me in case anyone got hurt.”
“It’s too dangerous,” I said.
“Adam said he didn’t think it’d be a problem.”
My teeth automatically clenched. “Adam isn’t in charge.”
“Stop it,” she said, her voice taking on a steely tone I’d never heard from her. “Have you considered how to disarm the security without setting off the alarms?”
I cut her off, knowing where she was going with that. Members of the faery races were well known for being able to alter electromagnetic currents, which would come in handy with the security cameras and alarms around the vineyard complex. Still, I couldn’t risk it. Especially since I didn’t plan on being involved with the rescue. If I wasn’t there, I couldn’t protect her.
“Adam can handle it.”
She crossed her arms and scowled. “It’s not fair. I’m not some delicate flower, Sabina. I have skills you can use.”
I jumped off the counter and approached her, feeling bad but not that bad. “Look, I appreciate the offer. Really. But it’s just too dangerous. If something happened to you, I’d feel horrible.”
“I’m not your responsibility. I can take care of myself.”
“I’m sure you can. But I won’t have you risking yourself on my watch.”
“I could go to Clovis, you know.”
“Good luck.” I already knew his answer. Clovis wanted the team small and lethal. Nymphs weren’t exactly known for their bloodthirsty battle skills.
Her hand landed on my arm, her eyes imploring me to listen. “Please, Sabina. I want to help. Anything.”
I sighed as I felt some of my resolve crack. I knew what it felt like to be underestimated. “You can help with the logistics—gathering supplies and whatnot.” She let out a whoop of triumph, but I stopped her. “However, you’ll stay behind during the attack.”
“That’s okay,” she said. “I’m just happy to help any way I can.”
Her smile was contagious. I felt my face crack into a grin.
“You know, when you first got here I had my doubts,” she said.
“Oh yeah?” I leaned back against the sink, surprised by her candor.
She nodded. “I’m ashamed to admit this now, but Clovis asked me to spy on you.” She looked up at me through her lashes, as if worried I was going to get angry. I wasn’t angry—or surprised. I’d figured as much.
