The boys blinked up at him, their wide eyes reminding me of baby owls. There was more than a little hero worship going on and it was cute as hell.

“There is a spell that can allow us to hear what happened that day.”

I opened my mouth to refuse, and he gave me a quelling glance. “It isn’t painful and there will be no ill-effects. But my witch is well versed in getting information that would otherwise be lost.”

For a moment I thought he was talking about me. But no, he was talking about Gloria, the witch who he kept on retainer for all the times he needed witch magic. He used that spell for torture.

I slowly got to my feet. “A word.”

He gave the boys a quick, charming grin, and walked with me to the corner of the room. His hand raised briefly, and a dull pop hit my ears.

“What was that?”

“A silence ward. Gnome children have exceptional hearing.”

“I don’t want your witch to terrify the kids.”

His nostrils flared almost imperceptibly. Had I offended him? “Give me some credit,” he bit out, and I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Tell me you don’t use Gloria for torture.”

He gave me a patient look. “Of course I use her for torture. She feeds on pain and suffering, and I sometimes need information that people are reluctant to share.”

Ask a stupid question.

“Okay. Tell me she’s not going to do anything that will scare them.”

“She won’t. I will watch her carefully, and she knows not to cross me, no matter how delicious she finds the terror of children.”

I scowled. He was fucking with me now. He smiled and reached out slowly, giving me enough time to knock his hand away if I wanted to.

I allowed his touch, and he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I miss you,” he murmured.

“What do you mean? I’m right here.”

“I miss the sight of you in my bed. The feel of your skin against mine. The noise you make when I–”

“Samael!” I shot a look over my shoulder. Evie was stretched out on the couch, but she gave me a knowing smirk as my face turned red.

“So recalcitrant when it comes to admitting that you want me too. Do you never get tired of fighting this thing between us?”

All the time. “I’m not talking about this now.”

He lifted his hand and magic tinged my skin as he broke his ward. “If you have your way, you’ll never speak of it,” he said. “I’ve called the witch. She is on her way.”

“How did you call her?”

He gave me a look and I swallowed. He could speak in her head. Could he speak in mine?

Of course I can, he said, and I jumped, backing away. On the sofa, the kids turned, watching me curiously.