“You get an A for effort, but… no. Not even close.” She laughs and takes another sip. “We’ll call this one… I know! Daddy Drae’s Delight.”
Not for the first time in her presence, I’m more than grateful for the countertop between us, blocking the view of my twitching cock.
“Cheers, then.” I touch my cocktail glass to her mug and down another shot, hoping the alcohol dims the echo of her words.
Because Daddy Drae’srealdelight isn’t a coffee drink at all. It’s her, naked and on her knees, mascara-stained tears leaking down her cheeks as she chokes on my cock…
I close my eyes and think of the sea, the rolling hills of old, the cold winter winds, and we sit together in silence for a few moments—her, comfortable and content. Me, aching and annoyed.
But then she says, “So, was there something else you wanted to talk about, or was this truly just a peace offering?”
I open my eyes, reality sweeping back in like that cruel winter wind.
“It’s truly a peace offering, but yes, there’s… something else.” I pour another shot, but leave the glass untouched as I search for the least painful way to bring this up. “Miss Avery, I… You should know that… That is to say I… There’s something…” I pinch the bridge of my nose and whisper a curse, wishing I had a handbook for this. The last thing I want to do is fumble my words and hurt her or make her feel like she can’t trust the others, but I have to get this out.
I need her to know that I know about her past. Her scars. The terror that still plagues her nightmares no matter how much so-called “nocturnal reframing” she attempts.
I need her to know that it’s okay. That we’re all here for her, in whatever way she needs us.
And as hard as it is to admit,Ineed to know thatshe’sokay.
Taking a deep breath, I force myself to meet her gaze once more. “Augustine… He told me about what you went through as a child.”
“I… Oh.” She lowers her gaze, her cheeks darkening ever so slightly.
“He only mentioned it because he and Jude are working with Rook to track down the perpetrators, and he wanted to inform me of their plans. They’re going after shadow magic society mages, Miss Avery. It affects all of us.”
“It’s… it’s fine,” she says, staring into the mug as if she’d like to jump right in and disappear. “I told them I wasn’t trying to keep it secret or anything.”
“He mentioned that. I just… About what happened to you… I want you to know that I—”
She holds up a hand, silencing me. “Whatever you’re about to say, I’m sure it’s kind and coming with the best of intentions, and I appreciate it.”
“It is, but—”
“Then let’s leave it at that.”
“Miss Avery, if you’ll just—”
“Please, Draegan. I can’t go there again.” She finally lifts her gaze, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. “Not with you.”
“Oh. I… I understand,” I say, trying to ignore the jealous burn that seems intent on eating away at me tonight. “Of course. If you ever change your mind and want to talk about it, I’m—”
“Thanks for the latte. Can I go?”
“Not yet. I’m afraid there’s one more thing we need to discuss.” I down the cognac, the alcohol burning away the jealousy in my chest. “Your relationship with Jude.”
Chapter Twelve
DRAEGAN
So much for the peace offering.
“That’s none of your business,” she snaps, shattering our fragile truce. “What Jude and I have or don’t have is strictly between us.”
“I see. So having an early evening go-round on our community dining table… That’s keeping things private, is it?”
“Wow. Just… wow.” She shoves away the mug and hops up from the stool. “I should’ve known better than to trust an apology from you. Enjoy your evening, Draegan. Try not to choke on your self-righteousness.”
