Amusement twitched my lips. “I think your cockles get more than enough attention without my input.”

His laugh was warm and deep and sent delight skimming across my skin. “But my cockles adore your attention.”

“Hmmm” was all I said to that.

He laughed again then reached across the table and twined his fingers through mine. “If ever I decide to get into a serious relationship, you will be the first to know. I promise you that.”

Mathi had made a similar promise and broken it at first chance. I knew dark elves took a vow more seriously than light, but there was a part of me that was wary of trusting too much.

Probably the same part that had trusted Mathi too much.

“And I promise you the same courtesy.”

He raised his eyebrows. Though amusement played around his lips, there was something a whole lot more... dangerous... in his eyes. “That sounds like there’s competition in the wings.”

“There is.”

“Not Mathi, I would hope.”

I laughed. “Mathi can pursue me all he wants but he will never again grace my bed. But there is a new pixie in town, and he’s rather... lovely.”

Cyn’s amusement grew, as did that dangerous glint. This man did not like the thought of credible competition, and my hormones skipped along in giddy delight.

“If you called me lovely,” he said, “I’d be offended.”

“Lovely is more likely to be long-term. Sexy and dangerously hot is not.”

His gaze narrowed fractionally. I picked up my glass to hide my amusement and wondered if his other lovers had partners on the side. I suspected not. Something in his manner and the way he was studying me suggested he wasn’t used to sharing.

Not that it mattered. I was never going to be his “one,” and while I was more than happy to be “one of a few,” I couldn’t let the intense sexual attraction that burned between us distract me from finding my “one.” That might or might not be Eljin, but the only way I was going to find out was by testing the relationship waters with him.

“Do you have a date with this pixie?” Cynwrig asked.

“Yes.”

Which was only a partial lie, because we had agreed to dinner. We just hadn’t set the date yet.

“I wish you a good time, then.” He paused, then added with a wicked smile, “But not too much of a good time, of course.”

I laughed and changed the topic. “Have you any luck tracking down who Kendrin might be?”

“Yes and no.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Meaning?”

“There is a Kendrin Mason I believe might be the man we are looking for, but he has, unfortunately, disappeared.”

“Not surprising, given he’s been tasked with hiding the crown.” I took a sip of whisky. It was lovely, both soft and velvety on the palate with just enough notes of orange citrus, vanilla, and cinnamon to tease the taste buds. I was definitely going to find a bottle or two for my own collection. “Mason isn’t an elven name, though.”