Page 85 of Moonlit Thorns

Asher relaxes a bit at my side, then leads me down toward his seat at the table.

“And since these two pricks are too lazy to get up and introduce themselves, allow me.” Asher glares at them both. “This is Kol.”

He motions to the man with dark hair that’s buzzed close to his scalp and caramel-colored eyes fringed with thick lashes. Kol doesn’t say anything, but he raises the arm that has a giant lion tattoo covering it, then shoves his fork in his mouth.

I return the wave. “Hi.”

“And this is Obsidian, but we call him Sid.” Asher points at the man with a wolf tattoo on his neck, dressed in an expensive suit.

“Hello, Anabelle.” His smile is charming enough, but there’s a predator’s gleam to his eyes. His hair is dark and wavy, much like Asher’s, and his eyes are such a deep brown that they almost look black.

“Anabelle will be joining us for breakfast in the mornings from now on,” Asher says.

Kol raises his eyebrows at him but says nothing while Asher pulls out my chair for me.

“Thank you,” I say quietly, sitting down.

Nero, who was sitting to my right, slides his things down one more spot so that Asher can take his seat.

Is this all because of the song “Dies Irae”?

Ever since I confessed to Asher last night about hearing that song in the manor, it feels as if something has shifted in him. I’m not complaining, I like the change, but I’m not sure I understand where it’s coming from, and I want to make sure it’s not a temporary thing.

“Help yourself to whatever you want,” Asher says to me, taking the plate from one of the house staff who clearly saw me come in.

“Thank you.” I serve myself some eggs, fruit salad, and toast.

The five of us eat in silence for a couple of minutes. Probably able to tell that I’m growing more uncomfortable, Asher speaks up.

“Sid, where are we with the EPA thing on the East Coast?”

Sid swallows his coffee and sets down his cup. “Everything’s been resolved. Our guy made sure of it.”

“Good.” Asher nods and pours himself coffee, offering me some, which I accept.

“So, Anabelle. What did you think of the symphony last night?” Nero asks.

I look down the table at him and smile. “I’ve never been before, but I loved it. I didn’t realize how much different it is listening to it live. It’s like it fills you up or something.” My cheeks heat. “Sorry, that probably sounds really cheesy.”

“Not at all. I get what you mean.”

“How did you know we went to the symphony?” Asher asks.

“Mrs. Potter told him,” Sid says with a grin.

“Jesus, that old woman is the biggest gossip in this place.” Asher shakes his head.

“Who are you calling an old woman?” Mrs. Potter walks into the dining room, looking nonplussed at finding me here. In her hand is something I recognize well—Asher’s green drink.

“Forgive me,” Asher says with a smile I haven’t seen him direct at anyone but me.

She shakes her head and sets it on the table between us. “Since you missed your swim, I didn’t know if you’d still want this.”

“Thank you,” he says, bringing it to his lips for a sip.

“You’re welcome.” She squeezes my shoulder. “Good to see you, Anabelle.”

I feel a little uncomfortable at having jumped sides and give her an awkward smile. “You too.”

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