Page 66 of Bound By the Sleeper’s Harp

“About that,” Eaden said, setting his phone on his thigh, crossing his arms and leaning back to regard me. “Sounds like you’ve got some explaining to do.”

“About what?” I lifted my chin.

“About the fact that you are human, but you clearly know more than you should. How long have you known? Since you started working for me? And how did you find out? Did one of my people run their mouth? They know better.”

Bastian released a long, audible sigh. I threw him a searing glare to shut the fuck up, turning to Eaden. “I’ve known all along. And I found out because I can see through glamor⁠—”

“Humans don’t have such an ability.”

Bastian tensed. I glanced at him in warning before saying, “Trade secret.” Then I grinned.

“Fine. Whatever. Keep your secrets.” Eaden’s gaze darted between us. “Didn’t realize you and the fae enforcer were a thing. How long have you two⁠—?”

“We’re not,” we said at the same time, then glanced at each other before looking away, like freaking teenagers. Heat flooded my cheeks. The denial stung more than it should have, and I couldn’t ignore the hot disappointment that dripped into my stomach. Saying it didn’t sound so bad, but coming from Bastian’s mouth? That was a denial I didn’t want to hear. I had no right to be upset. He didn’t do relationships, especially not with humans. He’d made that clear. Me? I hadn’t been in one since Luke, and since I didn’t do casual sex, we weren’t exactly compatible.

Despite that, I found myself desperate to make an exception. When I looked at Bastian, I wanted him in whatever way I could get him, and then I wanted him ten times more than that, a thousand times more than that. It scared the living daylights out of me. But it was also thrilling and unexpected in a way that made me feel like I was waking up after a long slumber. Like I was seeing my life clearly for the first time in two years.

I swallowed, clearing my throat.

“I think that’s all we needed,” Bastian said, standing and pulling me to my feet.

“So, just to be clear,” Eaden said, looking at me, “I’ll be filling your shifts for the next several days? So that you can deal with…?” He waved a hand.

“Yes, please. I can’t work right now.”

“Did you not hear about her apartment?” Bastian asked, voice pitching low. As if that was explanation enough.

“I did. If there’s anything I can do⁠—”

“Don’t worry about it,” Bastian said, cutting him off. “I already got her taken care of. She’ll let you know when she’s ready to come back.”

I bit my tongue, letting them hash it out. Better to pick my battles.

Eaden swallowed, then took a step back, probably to avoid the aggression pouring off Bastian. “Of course, Bas. Not a problem.” Eaden and Bastian held each other’s gazes for a long moment. Then they shook hands as we said our goodbyes.

As I walked out, Eaden looked at me, a warning in his expression. “Be careful, Rose.”

I nodded, then followed Bastian out of the room. As we made our way down the hall, fingers still twined, I couldn’t decide what Eaden’s warning meant. Was he warning me about the stuff we’d gotten tangled up in? Or was he warning me away from Bastian? Either way, it felt ominous.

22

We didn’t linger in Vortex, not even for a drink. For a brief moment, I did consider hitting the dance floor. The memory of our bodies moving together made me forget all about what Bastian and I had said in Eaden’s office. About how we weren’t a thing. Made me forget how disappointed I was hearing the sentiment voiced aloud.

The idea of his body rubbing mine had liquid desire dripping into my core. But then a new thought barged in. The thought of Luke lurking in the shadows, waiting for me to appear. That desire dried right up. I kept my hand in Bastian’s as he led me out of the club.

His bike materialized in front of us. I studied it. The sleek build was perfect for navigating city streets. A symbol was etched into the side, up near the handlebars. My eyes narrowed, focusing on it. I hadn’t noticed it before. A circle, topped with a crescent moon, and two crossed swords. Eaden’s words came rushing back.

Enforcer, the symbol screamed.

I glanced at Bastian. He walked with a swagger that most didn’t possess. It’s what I found so sexy about him.

He dropped my hand and turned, helmet appearing. He fit it over my head and gave it a little tug. Then his hands drifted down my torso, lingering, leaving a trail of heat. Another helmet appeared and he slid it over his head.

“Let’s go,” he said.

We climbed on the bike and I wrapped myself around him, my mind immediately jumping ahead. We were going back to his place. He’d mentioned swimming, and the thought of being naked with him in the pool made my panties damp. Was I in over my head? Bastian should have scared me. Hell, he seemed to scare everyone else around him.

Bastian’s motorcycle revved. “Hold on, sugar.” A second later and we were off.