“That doesn’t make me feel better.”
“It is what it is.” Hawke gave him a tight smile. “We need to make it official. Soon. Also,” he continued before Kohl had the chance to protest more. “I’ve been thinking. Since it appears you’re planning to keep her around for awhile, I think we should put Devon’s skills to use.”
Since he was the one who’d brought up that idea to begin with, Kohl tried to contain his sarcasm. It didn’t really work. “You’ve decided.”
Hawke grinned.
The song ended and Devon came over and grabbed Kohl’s beer while Frank headed toward the restroom. “What’s up, Hawke?”
“Not much, beautiful.” He winked when Kohl flashed his fangs and quite obviously pulled her closer to him. “At least he’s not hissing at me, anymore,” Hawke told her.
“You could just stop saying stuff you know will bring out my worst side,” Kohl suggested.
“I could,” Hawke agreed. “But why the hell would I when it’s so much more fun to rile you up?”
Devon held up her hands. “All right, guys. Put your penises back in your pants.”
Kohl gave Hawke a warning look. “Don’t say it, man. Just don’t.”
Hawke held up both hands in a gesture of peace. Walking behind the bar, he helped himself to a bottle of vodka. “Actually, Devon, we were just talking about you.”
“About me? Why?”
“We think it’s time you made yourself useful around here.”
“We were going to ask you,” Kohl corrected. “For your help.”
“What kind of help?”
Hawke rested his hip on the counter behind him. “We want you to make use of your hacking skills.”
She turned to Kohl. “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea after what happened last time.”
“That wasn’t your fault, Dev. And you know it.” Kohl exchanged a look with Hawke, who gave him a nod. He turned back to Devon. “But I hope you remember how you did it. We want you to help us take out Parasupe.”
Taking another swig of his beer, she stared at him over the top of the bottle, then wiped her mouth on the back of her hand. She looked back and forth between the two vampires.
“Then we’re gonna need some help.”
The door opened and a woman with red hair came in the main entrance. She hesitated once she was inside, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting. Looking around, she spotted the three of them at the bar, but made no move to come forward.
“I’ll go tell her we’re not open yet,” Kohl said as he stood. But Hawke stopped him with a hand on his arm.
“No. I’ve got this.”
Kohl glanced back to find his friend’s eyes firmly affixed on the woman. “Are you sure?”
Hawke gave him a nod, his attention never wavering from the stranger at the edge of the dance floor. Running his fingers through his dark hair, he stood and approached her.
She watched him come, a smile teasing her lips.
