Page 189 of Axis of Fire

“I propose a toast,” Dwayne announced with a grin, somehow managing to look everywhere except at Lars.

“To new friendships.”

“And not just friendships,” he added. “To getting to know Noveris.”

I raised a brow and glanced at Airis.

I hadn’t realized he trusted them with something that important.

Without drawing attention to himself, he stepped closer until he was standing just behind my right shoulder.

While everyone else continued talking, Airis leaned down slightly and whispered near my ear,

“Why shouldn’t I trust them too, if you do?”

My glass nearly slipped from my fingers, but an invisible force—or, more likely, Airis himself—kept it steady.

Something warm unraveled inside me so suddenly it almost hurt.

Did Airis even realize what his words did to me?

“Cheers!” everyone called out.

Pulling myself together, I clinked glasses with the others.

I could feel the warmth of Airis's body just behind me while the cool drink burned its way down my throat.

“And now,” Dwayne announced, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes, “I suggest we become even more civilized and play board games.”

“And I suggest everyone try Dwayne's signature pizza before anything else,” Gwen interrupted, already reaching for a slice with a napkin. “You won't find better pizza anywhere.”

“And I didn't even have to pay her for that advertisement,” Dwayne grinned, though the faint blush creeping across his cheeks betrayed him.

I picked up a slice of pizza, placed it on a napkin, and held it out to Airis.

“Don't worry,” I said with a shrug. “Even if it were poisoned, I'm resistant to poison.”

“I never doubted that,” Airis replied.

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't stop watching him.

I was far too curious about his reaction.

With visible skepticism, Airis took a generous bite.

Almost immediately, I watched his eyes soften with genuine appreciation.

A quiet hum of approval escaped him.

Something inside me practically leaped with triumph, leaving me embarrassingly flustered.

I quickly looked away and reached for a slice of my own.

“Damn,” Justin muttered. “I'm ready to guard you people for the rest of my life if it means eating like this more often.”

I barely managed to hold back my laughter while Dwayne suddenly found everything around him fascinating—anything except us.

I exhaled softly.