Akasha glances at me.
“Don’t,” I say.
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You thought loudly.”
“I’m a witch.We do that.”
The doors open before I can reply, and we’re out in the sunlight soon enough.The city bustles around us as we make our way the few blocks to The Gin Room.
The Gin Room is closed to the public, but it’s not empty.Morning light slants through the high windows, turning dust into gold.Chairs are down now, and the bar is clean.The cracked brick near the hallway has already been repaired, though the new mortar is darker than the rest, a fresh scar in an old wall.
My gaze sticks there as I remember Knox’s fist and the blood on white tape.
You’re special.
I force myself to look away.
Ari sits on top of the bar with a pastry in one hand and murder in her eyes.Malichai stands beside her, one hand resting against the top of her thigh like he needs the contact to keep breathing.He is all dark suit and old arrogance, but his attention shifts to Ari every few seconds.A dragon checking his treasure.
Korvin leans against the far wall beside Akasha’s usual station, arms crossed, beard hiding most of his expression.His gaze softens when he sees his mate, but only for a second.Then he looks at me and gives a single nod.
Korvin’s nods have levels.This one says, “I am glad you are alive, but I won’t embarrass either of us by saying it,” so I nod back.
Cruz sits at one of the barrel tables, long legs stretched out, fingers drumming on the wood.He gives me a quick smile, but his eyes are sharper than usual.
Knox stands behind him near the hallway.
He is wearing a black long-sleeved shirt today, with the sleeves pushed up to his forearms.The bandage around his hand is fresh.His gaze finds mine, and everything else dims by a fraction.
Not disappears.I am not that dramatic.But the room shifts.My awareness narrows in a way I resent.The distance between us becomes a living thing.
His eyes move over me once.Not leering.Not even obvious.Just enough to check for damage.To make sure I am in one piece.
I should hate it.I do hate it...Mostly.
“You get any sleep?”Cruz asks me, breaking the tension.
“No.”
“Knox didn’t either.”
Knox growls, and Cruz grins.
I look at Knox before I can stop myself.“You didn’t?”
His jaw tightens.“Not much.”
“Because of your hand?”
“No.”
The answer is too honest.Too heavy.It sits between us, and my skin warms beneath my sweater.
Ari clears her throat loudly.“As much as I love watching unresolved tension ruin breakfast, Aldron is waiting.”
“I hate you,” I mutter.
