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“I’ll offer it to Charity,” I say, giving a small wave. “Have a good show.”
Saber mutters something under his breath, but their relationship, or lack thereof, isn’t my business. Instead, I bolt for the bar where Charity is working tonight.
* * *
It’s clear Charity is more than capable of running The Den while I’m out. She’s a mom; I’m pretty sure all mothers are excellent at multitasking.
We’re just finishing going over the basics of the computer system when Charity bumps her shoulder against mine. “I’ve missed having tea with you lately.” She gives me an excited smile that’s completely at odds with her words. “But Veryn doesn’t mind so much. He really likes his new buddy.”
I’ve got no idea what she’s talking about.
“I never realized you and Kash are so close,” she says, picking at her nail. “I feel bad, because I hated that guy when he used to come in for drinks.” She shrugs. “But you know how Veryn is. He snuck over the other morning, expecting you to be there, and instead, he found your houseguest.”
It’s a struggle to keep my face placid. Malice is living in my house while pretending to be Kash? I can’t decide if that’s really cute or extremely weird. No, my hormones definitely think it’s sweet. Like, maybe he snuggles up to my pillow at night or digs through my panty drawer when he’s lonely... Okay, I’m officially delusional.
“He’s actually a really nice guy. A little weird. It’s like he doesn’t realize what is or isn’t normal to say, but I had him pegged all wrong.” She bumps her shoulder against mine again. “You’re all he talks about. I know things have been complicated since Hex and Silence got to town, but is there something going on between you and Kash?”
I grimace.
I have no idea how to answer that question.
Kash is technically dead, I think.
Charity is beautiful and very single. If I say no, then she might think it’s okay to make a move, but if I say yes, that could open up an entirely different can of worms.
I give her a tight smile. “Nope, he just needed somewhere to stay.”
Malice and I have kissed, but not much else. Everyone is always around, and he’s still playing Kash. He can’t be out of Kash’s body for long, and he’s said several times that it doesn’t feel right to touch me with Kash’s skin. He has stopped by daily to bring me little trinkets, though.
Atlas made the comment that he thinks Malice is courting me in the old demonic tradition, which is weird and also sweet as hell. We’ve spent a lot of time together in my dreams, but it’s always so hazy that it’s impossible for me to recall all the details. I do know that I trust Atlas and Malice on some soul-deep level that’s difficult to explain.
“Oh no, I’m not into him like that,” Charity says, laughing. “I just wanted to mention it, because at first, I thought he was a total dick. And I didn’t know if maybe he came off that way with you too.”
My office door flings open and Vivie stomps inside. Her face is red, and she’s obviously been crying.
I hit my feet immediately and Charity follows.
“Are you okay—” I start.
Vivie cuts me off. “I need Laz removedpermanently.”
“What?” Charity gasps.
“What happened?” I ask, stepping around Charity and my desk. I get close, and Vivie flings herself at me. I pat her back, trying to figure out what the hell went down.
She runs a hand over her stomach. She’s in a cream-colored silk dress. I frown, studying her abdomen.
“Laz laid his eggs inside me!” She pushes out of my arms and starts pacing.
My mind races.
Shock comes first as I stagger back a step. They’re like some weird combination of friends with benefits, but Laz has always treated her like they’re dating. He’s a great guy, and he’s gentle and loving.
My head shakes.
No man would put up with her ridiculous demands if they weren’t in love. She’s ignored it for so long, I guess it came to a head.
My heart sinks.
