“I can do that.”
Antoine turned around, and Noah straightened his back. “I do appreciate your input, my friend. Please keep your…critiquecoming, and I’ll try to stay open-minded.”
“Thank you.” Noah hesitated, then shook his head and walked for the door.
“Don’t hold back on me now.”
“I was just going to say…” He trailed off, then forced the question. “Have you told Cally yet?”
“Why would I?”
“Because you love her. Because you want her to know—or, at least, you don’t want her to find out any other way. Because for no other reason than you’re bonded.”
Antoine held his gaze, then nodded. “Maybe you’re right again.”
*
It was still early, but he knew Cally was up because he could hear her voice in her room, and Eve was there too.
“—an hour to get to Milton.”
He knocked twice and waited, trying not to listen, respecting her space. Even if she had spent the night in his room, this one was still hers, as he’d promised.
It had been Eve speaking, and she stopped abruptly. Cally opened the door. “Hi! Is everything all right?”
She wore all black—jeans, a roll-neck sweater, and a leather overcoat he didn’t know she owned. It was a good look for her.
“Off out?”
“Uh… yes.”
“To see your dad?”
“Uh… yes. Is that okay?”
“Of course it is. Take Noah, would you? I would feel happier knowing you’re safe.”
Cally winced. “I’m not sure my dad would understand. He would probably assume Noah was my boyfriend.”
“Zoey then.”
“Aren’t I stronger than both of them now?”
Antoine smiled ruefully. “Yes, I suppose so.”
“And it’s not like Minh’s thralls are coming after me.”
“True.” He pulled her close and kissed her cheek. “My apologies,ma chérie.I shouldn’t try and coddle you.”
“No… I like it when you do. Are you off to bed?”
“Soon. I talked to Noah, and…” He paused to glance at Eve.
Her lips pressed together stubbornly, then she shook her head in resignation. “Uh… I’ll be… downstairs, probably bugging Marcel.” She walked past them both, and Antoine stepped back to make room for her.
“I’m glad you have her,” he said, as her footsteps faded. “Did you tell her she can stay?”
“I did, but I don’t think she will.” Cally looked uncomfortable. “Not for long, anyway.”
