Page 108 of Bound By the Sleeper’s Harp

“Damn. Too bad.” Bastian eyed Christian and the other officers in the room. Luke’s eyelids fluttered, like he was waking up. “I want to talk to him. Alone.”

“Not happening.”

“Christian.”

“You think I’ll leave you alone with him after your actions last night?”

Bastian rolled his eyes. “I won’t touch him. You have my word.”

Christian watched him for a long moment then sighed. “Fine. Ten minutes.”

“Thanks.”

The others left the room while he pulled up a chair. “Not the best look for you, asshole.”

A wheezing laugh was Luke’s only answer. He didn’t even open his eyes.

“Here’s how this is going to go. You’re going to give me answers, and I’m going to leave you alive. So, why don’t you tell me where you hid the harp? Your answer won’t make any difference on your record, but it might make your life a little less shitty, considering what I’ve got planned.”

Luke laughed again, his eyes finally cracking open. “Did you fuck her? Did you get after that tight pussy? How’d you like the way she feels?”

Red flashed in Bastian’s vision. He was snarling before the sound registered as his. He took a steadying breath. “Don’t mention her. Don’t even think about her.”

“Your mate, huh? A little human mate. Does it bother you that I fucked her first?”

This time, every coherent thought slid right out of his mind. He was going to fucking kill this little piece of shit. He reached out, then closed his fist before it made contact. Keeping his voice lethally calm, he said, “You are so, so very lucky I promised not to touch you.” Luke only huffed. “Tell. Me. What. You. Did. With. The. Fucking. Harp.”

“I don’t have it,” Luke said, staring at the wall. A small smile pulled at his lips. The asshole was fucking enjoying this.

“What do you mean, you don’t have it?” He hissed. “You used it. Where did you put it?”

“Oh. I didn’t use it.” Bastian blinked and Luke snickered. “You think I did all that? Pulled those specters from their bodies? Created a bunch of walking ghosts? Not so great at your job, huh?”

Luke was baiting him.

“Where is it?” He snarled.

“I’ll tell you, but in return, I want a favor.”

“You’re not getting shit. How about this, instead? I might be bad at my job, but I found your father, found out what care facility he’s located at, found out how much you’ve been paying to keep him there. He seems real nice and comfortable. Also saw that you visit several times a week. I promise you this. If you do not tell me exactly where the harp is, then Mr. Portman might not wake up tomorrow morning.”

Luke’s body went rigid.

“You hurt someone who means everything to me—my fucking mate. I am a goblin. If you think I possess a shred of decency where your father is concerned, you’re wrong. Do not think I have qualms about hurting someone you love in return, for the way you hurt Eleanor.”

Luke’s throat bobbed. His eyes darted in Bastian’s direction. “Fine,” he rasped. “Get a piece of paper. I’ll give you the address.”

Game. Over.

37

“He made you pancakes?!” Vivi cried as I carried the plate and coffee into the kitchen, setting it on the small table.

"Yes," I grumbled, trying to be bitter about it. Key word, trying. I’d already peeked under the plate cover, then quickly covered it again so that I didn’t have to witness the full force of what was hiding beneath.

“You’re going to eat them, right? Are they still hot?”

“Warm, yeah.” I lifted the mug and took a sip, then groaned. “Oatmeal cookie,” I whispered.