“I just wanted you to know I bought a new Pathfinder. I’m naming her Cinn. Maybe you’ll let me take you out on her someday.”

Dacian couldn’t figure out how a demon’s eyes could look like a lovesick puppy’s.

“Wow, thank you, Wade.” Her expression said she didn’t have a clue what a Pathfinder was. “Umm, you can go get some rest now. Dacian and I will be here until dawn.”

Wade’s eyes narrowed on Dacian. But then Wade dismissed him to return his attention to Cinn. “I could protect you during the day. I wouldn’t let you out of my sight.”

The slight flaring of Cinn’s eyes said she was getting a mental image of the demon dogging her footsteps for an entire day. “I truly appreciate the offer, but I’ll be going out with Sparkle tomorrow.”

“Then I’ll guard your plants.” Wade’s tone said that was settled.

Dacian had his doubts about that plan. For whatever reason, Wade believed he was in love with Cinn. Strange. Demons weren’t usually an emotional lot. What worried Dacian was the demon’s reaction when Cinn eventually had to tell him she didn’t return his love. Dacian didn’t know how powerful Wade was, but any demon could make a destructive scorned lover.

“Thanks.”

From her expression, Dacian could see Cinn was coming to the same conclusion.

They watched Wade trudge reluctantly away, and then went into the greenhouse. Cinn’s cot was ready for her. He’d sit in the chair. And watch her sleep. He’d enjoy the rest of the night.

But she wasn’t quite ready for sleep. After checking to see how Vince was coming along, she sat on the edge of the cot. “So you and Kyla had a relationship?”

He was glad he’d long ago given up facial expressions. “What makes you think that?”

“Umm, maybe the weepy, soulful looks she threw your way? Those weren’t the eyes of someone who’d just been a friend.” She turned thoughtful. “And they weren’t the eyes of someone who was over you.”

He didn’t try to hold back his laughter. “Where did that conclusion come from?”

“Did you guys have a relationship?”

“Yes.”

“Did you break it off?”

“Yeah. But that was centuries ago, and believe me, she’s over it.” Cinn didn’t have to know about the threats Kyla had flung at him as he left.

She shrugged. “Maybe. Women understand other women. There’s something still there.”

He was just about to comment on her theory when Stephan stepped into his mind.

“You know the routine, Dacian. Come back to me. You’ll fight by my side. All my other children are here. We’re waiting for you. Do I have to repeat the threat?”