Oh, the demon leader had no idea how complicated Hope’s life really was these days. It wasn’t Paxton’s job to tell him, since Hope wasn’t in danger. Thank goodness. “I’ll always be her friend and I’ll always protect her,” he vowed.

Zane looked over at him, his green eyes gleaming through the darkness. He was quiet for several moments, taking measure, just relaxing into the night. Whatever he saw in Pax’s face, he must’ve liked, because he slowly nodded. “We make our own fate, Paxton. Never forget that.”

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

The fire crackled and warmed the luxurious suite as Grace perched on one of two chairs, separated from Adare by only a round wooden table. “The more I think about it, the more certain I am that this is too risky. You took a huge chance to save me, and I’m going to do the same. It’s okay, Adare. Really. I got five more years than I should have, and I’m happy with that.” She started to relax as she made her decision, although she couldn’t help but wish for a different path.

He steepled his fingers beneath his chin, facing her, relaxed in his oversized chair with his legs partially extended and his ankles crossed. “No. I’m intrigued by the idea of taking your blood, and I’m willing to sample a little bit to experiment here.” He hadn’t shaved in a while, and the thick scruff around his chin made him look like the marauder he’d probably once been. Tonight, relaxed after his match with Benny, his eyes were deep pools of black. Even so, a sense of alertness, of intensity, flowed from him and entwined around her, sensitizing her skin. “Weakening you further isn’t an option.”

“I’m not weak,” she retorted.

“I didn’t say you were,” he said mildly. “Yet you remained unconscious for a worrisome amount of time earlier, and I assume that losing blood wouldn’t help you regain your strength.”

Now he had to sound logical? She wiggled to find a comfortable position on the plush chair. “You’re not listening to me.”

“Let’s talk about it, then.” He watched her, the potency of his gaze unnerving. “If you can remain truthful, that is.”

He was still all tied up about her lying to him? She groaned. “You have to let it go, for goodness sake. Enough with the digs. I swear, sometimes I just want to kick you in the balls.” He wanted honesty? She’d give it to him.

His smile was slow and challenging. “That’d be one way to get things going.”

Amusement attacked her, and she laughed, her body finally letting go of some of the tension. “How can you joke about this?”

“I enjoy your laughter,” he said.