“Fat lot of good that did us,” Calem mumbled the moment he was released from his compulsion, kicking his boots up on the table and jostling the tarnished candleholder.
Noc batted Calem’s feet away, and his ring once again snared my attention. The mark was a terrifying prospect, and the curiosities that ring held—the way it had sparked tension between him and Kost—was a welcomed distraction. Catching his hand, I brought my lips to his knuckles. “Why would he ask about this?”
Noc only hesitated for a breath, but it was enough to raise the hackles on the back of my neck. “No idea.”
No idea?Lie. That much I could tell. Noc dipped his head, and I caught the hint of a plea in his gaze. Did he not want the others to know? He’d promised to tell me everything after our battle in Hireath, but we hadn’t gotten the chance to discuss much. Sure, the guild had kept him busy, but there was a distance between us that hadn’t previously been there. A haunted look that would occasionally cloud his expression. I didn’t know when to push for answers and when to simply be there for him.
Gaige eyed the ring before running his fingers through his hair. “Interesting.”
“Let’s get back, shall we? I believe we have research to do.” Kost stood, shooting me a death glare. I bit my lip and angled my chin high, battling silently against his frustration. He wasn’t the only one privy to Noc’s world.
Gaige’s eyes lit up. “To the library, then?”
Noc sighed. “Though this proved futile, I’ll hold up my end of the deal.” As one, we stood and navigated around tables and chairs in pursuit of the exit. Pausing at the bar, I placed a tentative hand on Noc’s arm.
I couldn’t stand the intensity of his stare. The lingering thread of hurt for not openly claiming him as myanam-cara. The worry of what we’d just unearthed, thanks to the mage. So much uncertainty and frustration. It battled with longing and love as he tried to soften his expression for my sake. Releasing a heavy breath, he tucked loose strands of hair behind my ear.
Leaning into his touch, I placed a gentle kiss on his palm. “Wait for me outside? I’m going to grab my things.”
“Do you need any help?”
“It will only take a minute.”
He looked past me, taking in the bar and invariably Dez. He’d returned from the storeroom sometime during our meeting with Eryx to wipe down the countertops with concentrated fervor. Noc stiffened, but nodded once before placing a chaste kiss on my forehead and slipping out of the establishment.
Before he could sneak away to the storeroom again, I turned to Dez. “Hey.”
He stiffened, but didn’t leave. “Your things are upstairs.”
“Dez…” I sighed and slid onto an open barstool. It creaked beneath my weight, and I leaned against the damp countertop he’d just finished scrubbing. “I’m sorry.”
“Leena, I…” Finally, he dragged his gaze upward and met my stare. The tension in his neck softened a hair. “We enjoyed each other’s company. That’s it.”
“No, it’s not.” I reached out and placed my hand over his. “You were, are, myfriend. I should’ve treated you as such. I didn’t have much opportunity to get word back to you while I was…working with Noc, but the moment things died down, I should’ve come back. I should’vetoldyou.”
Dez’s fingers twitched beneath mine. “Yeah, you should have. I was worried about you.”
“I know.”
He let out a long breath. “I always knew you were too good for this place. That you’d end up somewhere else. I just hoped…” He shook his head. “Nah. Look, just promise me you’re all right. You’re not in any danger?”
“I promise.” I gave his hand a squeeze. “And this is still my favorite tavern. You can count on me to bother you from time to time.”
He rolled his eyes and pulled his hand away, but offered a small, sad smile. “Yeah, yeah. You’ll still need to get your things, though. I’ve got renters interested in your room.”
Standing, I gave him a nod. “On it. And Dez?”
“Yeah?”
“I really am sorry.”
“I know. Now, go on. Get your stuff.” He turned his back on me and busied himself with rearranging glassware along the shelves. I wished I’d handled things differently all around, but at least he wouldn’t worry anymore. I turned away and headed up the rickety stairs to the few rooms tucked away for wayward souls like me. The only difference was, Dez had rented them out by the week to others, while mine had never come with an eviction notice.
Until now. And while my new life didn’t require me to keep a room above a black-market tavern, I knew a piece of me would always call Midnight Jester home.
Five
Noc
