Julien nodded and stood to grab a towel, which he swiped over his face and then dabbed at his neck. “Yes, I actually have more on my side. Though I can’t explain what was happening in that video. I did look rather insane.”
“The preternaturals on your board know exactly what was going on. You said they’re the ones on your side?”
“Yes. Most definitely—outside of William. Though none of them know I’m aware of what they are.”
“You might be surprised. The high amount of preternaturals in your office tells me they may very well know you can see them. Xavier told me that one of your employees knows and told you about Protective Solutions. You don’t think he’s told others?”
“I sincerely doubt it. I’ve mentioned him to you before. He swore to keep my secret, and he struck me as a very honest mothman.”
“Mothmen are rare. I’ve only met one before. He was a great guy.”
“So is Rockford. I have him in charge of public relations, and he’s killing it.”
“So William has no idea?”
Julien shook his head and draped the towel over the arm of his treadmill. “I toyed with the idea of telling him, but now I’m glad I never did. Something has kept me from completely trusting him, and now, knowing that he hired the penumbra to make me look foolish and untrustworthy tells me that my instincts were correct.”
“I haven’t sensed the penumbra. He probably stopped paying it to terrorize you now that his plan didn’t work.”
“Which means I’m probably not in danger anymore.”
“Oh no, not at all. You heard him warn you off investigating the other things you found in the files. There’s no doubt in my mind that if he’s involved in all that, he’s shared that you know something is going on. If there is some grand plan going on in this city with the ley line magic, then whoever it is will not want you passing along that information—especially to Xavier. Most beings are afraid of him. As they should be. I’ve never known a more powerful preternatural. And every single person he employs is powerful in their own right.”
“Including you.”
“I do have skills or he wouldn’t have approached me to begin with. What I’m trying to make you understand is that my skills might not be adequate against powerful wizards and sorcerers. I’ll protect you with everything I am, Julien, but I’m also honest enough to—” he broke off. He’d been about to reveal a little too much.
But Julien wasn’t going to let that go. He crossed the room to stand close and stare down into Emory’s face. “Honest enough to what?”
Emory licked his lips, desire flaring when Julien’s gaze zeroed in on them. Fuck. This man’s fascination with Emory’s mouth thrilled him a little too much.
“What were you going to say, Emory?” Julien asked, voice low and deep.
“I just want you protected,” he finally answered. It was so much more than that, but he could tell that Julien was going to let it go by the way he let out his breath and stepped away, disappointment clouding his eyes.
“I’m going to go shower, then maybe I’ll actually cook something for us. I’m not much of a cook, but I do make a mean grilled steak and kale salad.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
Julien nodded and went up the stairs.
Emory stood there for a long time, reeling. What he’d been about to say to Julien had revealed so much to him.
I’ll protect you with everything I am, Julien, but I’m also honest enough to admit that if anything happened to you, it might kill me.
Chapter Fifteen
Julien
Emory stared at Julien throughout their dinner. The sensual tension between them felt so thick, he could feel it on his skin.
He liked it.
Liked the anticipation making his body pulse. Liked this slow build-up, and he especially liked the way Emory was looking at him. That hint of fear wasn’t there. Something a hell of a lot hotter was. The angel was gazing at him as if he wanted to eat him alive.
They did the dishes together, bodies brushing every so often, and as Julien dried and put away the last plate, he reached the end of his patience. He turned away from the cabinet and narrowed his eyes at the angel who now stood next to the dining room table. “Are you feeling this, too?”
Emory didn’t bother trying to pretend he didn’t know what Julien was talking about. He slowly nodded. “I want you, Julien.”
