Page 57 of Balthazar's Fire

“You’re with Sebastian?” Cherie asked as she shook Rebecca’s hand.

“That’s right.” Rebecca’s smile widened. “Although we haven’t been together long, so it feels kinda strange hearing that aloud.”

“Same,” Cherie chuckled, instantly at ease with the other woman. Aside from her best friend, Sarah, who she still had to call and update about the dramatic events that had taken place in the last few days, Cherie didn’t know too many people in the city. Cherie could use a new friend, and if Rebecca and Sebastian were serious, then she could prove to be a useful ally.

“Can I get you a drink?” Rebecca’s focus flitted to the huge expanse of glass, momentarily distracted by the enormity of the view.

“No, thanks,” Cherie answered. “Sebastian poured me a glass of water before he left.” She motioned to the now-empty glass sitting on the coffee table.

“That does sound like Sebastian.” Rebecca’s blue eyes lit up as she thought of him. “Always so considerate.”

A contented quiet fell over the women as they both contemplated how thankful they were to have found men like Sebastian and Balthazar, broken only when Rebecca spoke again.

“So, how did you meet Balthazar?”

“At work,” Cherie replied.

“He was your boss?” Rebecca’s tone was wry.

“Oh no!” Cherie countered. “Nothing as cliche as that, but he had a meeting with the guy who used to be my boss.”

She tensed at the inference of Oliver, fighting to steady her voice.

“Used to be?” Rebecca’s brow furrowed. “You’ve quit since then?”

“I didn’t have much choice,” she explained. “It was either that or he was going to fire me—in front of a bistro full of customers.”

Cherie didn’t know why she was telling a complete stranger about her woes, but strangely it felt good to offload them. The joy she and Balthazar had discovered was incredible, but it hadn’t allowed much time for Cherie to process the myriad of intense things that had transpired. Somehow, talking to Rebecca seemed to help.

“It sounds as though you’re better off without his employment,” Rebecca suggested. “Your ex-boss sounds like a real asshole.”

“Yeah.” Cherie laughed, despite the very real threat that Oliver had manifested in her life. “He is.”

“Listen,” Rebecca shifted from one foot to the other, suddenly conveying a disquiet that Cherie hadn’t noticed before. “I wanted to apologize for—”

“Ladies.”

Rebecca spun at Sebastian’s voice, leaving her apology open-ended, and from over her shoulder Cherie saw both men towering in the doorway.

“I didn’t realize you were acquainted?” Balthazar’s gaze lingered on Rebecca as he walked toward Cherie, slipping a protective arm around her middle.

“We weren’t,” Rebecca replied, eyeing him just as carefully. “Until now.”

“Didn’t I tell you to stay in the bedroom?” Sebastian shook his head, although his tone was teasing.

“You might have done,” Rebecca grinned at him. “But I got lonely without you.”

“Time for a proper introduction then?” Balthazar gestured to his brother. “Will you do the honors, Seb?”

“Sure,” Sebastian responded, tugging Rebecca closer to him. “Rebecca, this is my brother, Balthazar, and Cherie you’ve already met.”

Rebecca flashed Cherie a dazzling smile before her attention returned to Balthazar. “Nice to meet you both.”

“Likewise,” Balthazar replied, although Cherie noted how uncharacteristically stiff he seemed as he stood beside her.

Evidently, whatever had been discussed between the brothers had left a lasting legacy on her lover. The atmosphere in the room had shifted since the men had returned, but Cherie wasn’t sure why. She also wasn’t clear about what Rebecca wanted to apologize for. After all, she didn’t even know the woman.

“And it seems there’s not much for me to do since Cherie has met both of you already.” Balthazar broke her train of thought. “But for the record, this is Sebastian and his new lady, Rebecca.”

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