“And I let Aeson kill the witch at the warehouse,” I murmur, sighing and letting my head fall back.
“I still have a few men who were stationed with her who didn’t get caught up in the skirmish at her house. Hopefully, one of them will have more answers, or at least be able to lead us to more witches who do have the answers.” Gunnar squeezes the armrests.
“So that wasn’t her entire coven?” I prop my head on my arm as Grim uses his thumbs to make tiny circles over the soles of my feet. My eyes want to fall closed, but I force them to stay open.
“No, thankfully. I’ll have to go through the house, see who’s left and find the next in command.”
“When?” I ask, as Calix leans his frame against the doorway, having returned from parking Betty.
“Now. I just wanted to make sure you got here safe.” Gunnar rises.
“I’ll come with you.” Grim pats my feet and I want to pout because my little massage is already over.
“That’s not necessary.” Gunnar crosses his arms over his chest.
“It’s not, but that’s what’s going to happen. You need someone who can sense magic, and that’s me. Damiana needs to rest.” Grim stands, facing off with Gunnar.
Gunnar’s scarred lips tighten as he glares at Grim. “Fine, but stay out of my way.”
Grim dons his heavy black cloak, concealing that made-for-sin body beneath it, the edges lifting as if compelled by some unseen breeze. “I will ensure Damiana’s safety,” Grim responds briskly.
“And that is the only reason you’re coming.” Gunnar’s chest heaves after he’s finished speaking. It must be killing him to accept help. I have no doubt that he could handle the situation on his own, but Grim’s right. Having someone with him who can sense the magic and the taint it leaves behind is smart.
“The testosterone is getting a little thick in here,” I mutter.
“You stay here.” Gunnar points his finger at Calix, who raises his hands in surrender. Gunnar’s shoulders ease after he delivers the order and Calix agrees. I don’t think he comes up against people that don’t follow his directions very often, and having Grim around, who seems to make up the rules as he goes, isn’t helping.
“Aeson will be here at nightfall.” I yawn, it must be close to dawn.
“We’ll be back by then.” Gunnar moves to stand in front of me.
“Okay.” I furrow my brow, wondering what he needs. His hands ball up at his sides. “What’s up?” I peer up at him.
“Make them leave,” he tells me, while tilting his head in Grim and Calix’s direction.
“What, why?” I purse my lips. “I thought you were leaving with Grim.”
“I would like a moment alone with you,” Gunnar growls out through his teeth.
“Ah, okay, I guess.” I shift to the side, and give Grim and Calix a questioning look. “Can you two give us a second?”
Grim reaches for my chin and plants his lips on mine. He slides his tongue across my bottom lip and lets out an appreciative hum, before pulling back just enough so his lips ghost over mine as he says, “I don’t need to be alone with you to claim you.” He releases my chin and steps away from me, not even bothering to look back, but my eyes trail after him the entire way.
Gunnar lets out an aggravated huff and looks over his shoulder to confirm both men have left. “He really likes pissing me off.”
I think about Gunnar’s words, but I don’t find any truth to them. Grim seems closed off, but I don’t think he’s ever allowed himself to feel real emotions. “I don’t think he does it on purpose, Kitten. I think he likes you and Calix.” I reach for Gunnar’s arm and pull until he’s sitting next to me on the couch. “Just like I don’t think you hate him as badly as you want to.” I glance at him from under my lashes, watching him for a reaction.
His face sours, but then he looks away. “He’s a useful ally,” Gunnar admits. I want to smile, but I hold it in.
“What did you need?” I pat his thick-as-a-tree-trunk thigh—it’s as hard as one, too.
Gunnar licks his lips and looks down at mine quickly. His hands ball up again. “Well…” He looks out at the empty room.
Oh goodness, he’s acting as nervous as a whore in church. “Gunnar?” I prompt again.
“Well, he ruined it,” he snaps, and jerks his hand toward the door through which Calix and Grim had gone.
“Ruined what?”
