“I know precisely what she is bringing to the table, so to speak. And I also know that Jim is very strong—which is the worst tragedy of all. Because she shall resort to tortures that . . .” There was no reason to go on: Adrian’s eyes carried the glassy look of someone reliving his own nightmare. “I would say unto you, however, that Devina cannot keep him for long or she risks a forfeit. Things are coming to a head, and if she prevents Jim from participating fully in the outcome, then there is no fair contest.”

“What about Jim?” Adrian demanded, shoving himself free of his best mate. “What about his suffering. What about him!”

Nigel glanced over at Colin, who was utterly silent. Then again, the expression on his gorgeous, familiar face said enough: His fury was so deep and wide, oceans would pale in comparison. He’d always hated Devina and this was not going to be of aid on that front.

There were enough hotheads herein, however.

Nigel shook his head with honest disappointment. “There is naught I may do. I am sorry. My hands are tied.”

“You’re sorry. You’re fucking sorry.” Adrian spit on the ground. “Yeah, you look it, you cold bastard. You look really fucking torn up. Asshole.”

With that, the angel dematerialized.

“Shit,” Edward muttered.

“A coarse but accurate word for it.” Nigel stared at the space Adrian had just filled. “ ’Tis early for him to be so battle-fatigued and fragile. This does not bode well.”

“You’re kidding me, right?”

He glanced over at the angel. “Surely you must see the madness in him—”

“FYI, big shot, not less than four days ago, Devina worked the guy over but good. And you think he’s going to be head-tight now that Jim’s being put through the same wringer? Are you serious?”

“May I remind you that you swore to me he could handle this.” Nigel found himself leaning forward in confrontation. After all, he might have been the captain of this side, but that didn’t mean he was above fisticuffs. “You told me he could withstand the stress. You promised me and I believed you. And if you think it shall get easier as we proceed, then you are as crazy as he appears to be.”

Edward raised his arm and drew back like he was going to throw a punch. “Fuck you, Nigel—”

Colin was all over the angel in the blink of an eye, attacking from the right, tackling the male, restraining him facedown on the bright green grass.

“You don’t hit him, mate,” Colin growled. “I know you’re pissed off, and you want to get Jim sorted, but I can’t let you pop Nigel. Not going to happen.”