“I will send Nico to pick you up in an hour. We will test this thing out here,” he says.
“No, CK, I don’t like it…” But once again, I realize I’m talking to the dial tone as he has hung up, leaving no room for argument, the infuriating beast. I start longing for the days of the old flip phone when it was so much more dramatic and satisfying to end an annoying conversation by slamming it shut instead of gently pushing the ‘End’ button on a touch screen.
“What was that about?” Cole asks as he helps me stand up.
“CK wants to see how close he can get to G.I. before it kills him,” I state unhappily. Cole’s eyes widen. “So he knows where not to be when I end Gregor,” I elaborate.
He nods in understanding. I go to him, pulling him close by his towel and tilt my head up to kiss him. He drops his head to oblige, but then inhales sharply and stiffens, his mouth millimeters from mine. I gaze up at him in confusion. He gives me a quizzical look, but the realization dawns and he steps back.
“Devon?” he asks.
I nod, only slightly creeped out by the fact that he knows Devon’s scent already. Although, it probably isn’t a massive reach.
“Why didn’t you say something?” he asks, looking distressed. “I didn’t even think…”
I give him a curious look now. “What are you talking about?” I venture quietly.
“Last night. Everything you went through. You should have told me you wanted him to stay. I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know…” He runs his hand through his hair, looking so concerned, I start to smile.
“It’s okay,” I say to him. “You needed me after…Fraser,” I choke out his name.
He nods quickly, accepting my attitude at face value. I’m glad because to pursue this would have ended up having me admit that yes, it would have been nice to have both Devon and CK stay with us last night. He seems far more connected to Devon than CK. I don’t think he is ready to see just how CK and I are together, yet.
He screws up his face. I see the struggle before he blurts out. “If you need him here, just say. I won’t think of it. Okay?” And with that said, he storms off back into the bedroom.
I blink at his retreating back, but I have to smile. Next time, I will say the fuck out of it.
In a moment of reflection, I now know why Constantine didn’t try it on with me. I went to him covered in Cole’s scent.
Damn Vampire senses!
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
I decided to make quick work of the shower and pull a black stretchy mini dress over my head once I’m dry. I step back into my favorite black Louboutins to Cole watching me from the bed. He is smiling at me and I blink at him.
“What?” I ask.
“I like watching you,” he says.
“I love you,” I whisper.
“I know you do. I love you too,” he says.
I feel that he wants to say more, but we are interrupted by a loud knock at the door.
I go to answer, and it is Nico, as expected.
“Ready?” he says briefly, making it clear he is still not happy with me about lying to CK about the Feeder.
“Give us a minute,” I say quietly. He waits patiently as I go back to Cole, who hasn’t moved. “Come, my love. We need to go.”
“Where are we going?” he asks.
“To CK’s penthouse. Remember, the sword thing?” I remind him.
I pick up my purse, grab his hand and pull him over to the door. “Ready,” I say to Nico.
He leads the way out to the waiting car. Devon is already there.