“No kidding. He wants to go, though.”
“He always gets what he wants. It’s my turn for once.” I scanned the newest texts. “They’re trying to make sure you’re coming.”
Harper’s amusement faded. “I wish I could.”
“They probably wouldn’t realize,” I said, but we both knew it was a risk she shouldn’t take.
We were already tempting fate by having her around Maverick and Rhone, who had seen plenty of turned vampires.
Mostly the devolved ones, if I had to guess.
“I already told my mom I’m still struggling with vampires after seeing Steven’s body. Just tell them that,” Harper said quietly.
I met her gaze.
Her expression was tired, and… sad.
My throat swelled. “We’re going to find a way around it, Harper. Velour has a lead.”
“The fact that my survival hinges on that asshole is truly abysmal.” She was trying to make a joke.
“Extremely,” I agreed.
“How are you going to avoid Maverick showing up? He totally stalks you, so he’s going to find out.”
“I’ll tell him right after I leave, and hope like hell that he’s in the middle of something.”
Harper laughed. “He’s going to be pissed, Bloom.”
“I can handle him. Now shoo, woman.” I waved her back toward her desk. “Get your work done so we can have Couch and Cake Day tomorrow.”
“Alright. Enjoy lunch. If an enforcer shows up with food, tell them I’m interested.”
“You know I will,” I called after her.
She grinned over her shoulder.
The ache in my stomach deepened into a yawning pit.
I couldn’t lose her.
I just couldn’t.
I textedMaverick while I was in the elevator. My last latte was gone as of fifteen minutes earlier, which was sad.
I’d itched for another one badly enough to consider making it at my beloved mini coffee bar, but it wouldn’t have been as good as the shop’s. So, I hadn’t.
Me
Hey, family dinner was switched to family lunch, I’m headed out now. You can catch the next one
My phone rang. His name appeared on the screen.
I hit the button to ignore the call.
It rang again.
I ignored it again.
