Page 140 of Black Bird

I’d never leave you. I just don’t think you realize what you’re walking into, Sarah.

Her lips tugged up in the corner.

I’d walk into Hell as long as I was beside you, Athan Kane.

He softened and his shoulders slumped as the tension in them eased.

Goddammit … I love you.

“Am I missing something here?” Wren broke their concentration and wagged her finger between the two of them. Sarah huffed a laugh through her nose and shook her head.

“Rhaena, can you get Jenkins to figure out Brent’s cell number? I don’t have it memorized.” Sarah glanced back at Athan, who reluctantly nodded his approval.

“Alright,” Rhaena agreed, sliding the phone out of her pocket and texting her lover.

“Can Brent represent both of you?” Wren asked, leaning toward her.

“I think so.” Sarah shifted on the couch. “I don’t see why not. Though, asking him to defend Athan will probably be a huge test of his character.” She snorted.

“I don’t need him. I’ve got Foley. I’ve got the entire precinct.” Athan’s tone was almost cold.

“Brent might be a lot of things … but he is a brilliant lawyer. Ruthless, really. It’s about the only good thing I can say about him, anymore.” It wasn’t much to offer him, but Sarah hoped it would ease his mind … at least a little.

“My how the tables have turned.” Wren rolled her eyes, wringing her fingers in her lap.

Sarah peered over at her. It was becoming a bit more clear now that Wren’s feelings were rapidly changing where Brent was concerned, but she didn’t even know if Wren herself was aware of it. It made her curious to see how he’d react around Wren the next time they were in close proximity. “You’re hiding something.” Sarah poked her in the ribs. Wren looked up, eyes wide and shook her head.

“What are you talking about?”

“What happened? Don’t say nothing. I see it all over your face.” Sarah watched her eyebrows slack. Athan backed up to the fireplace and leaned on the mantle.

Wren breathed a sigh. “That day we left … when I saw him at the pub during lunch? He hauled off and punched a guy that accidentally spilled his beer on me.”

“Brent?!” Sarah’s mouth dropped open.

“It shocked me, too. I didn’t know he had it in him. But he’s definitely not himself. I kind of felt bad for the bastard.”

There it was. Evidence enough. Sarah tried to hide her knowing smirk. It would definitely prove interesting to see what fired up between those two. And oddly enough, she didn’t mind. She wasn’t gonna push it. If anything came of that, it would happen on its own.

I know what you’re thinking, and you better be wrong.

Sarah glanced up at Athan, who watched her through lowered brows with a hand in his pocket.

If I’m right, it wouldn’t be a terrible thing. He fucked up, Athan … but he’s not a bad person.

His jaw tightened and his mouth twitched.

Because … and only because … you see the good in me, I’ll let you have that. But Wren is too good for that guy. And his father is a fucking serpent.

Sarah leaned back into the couch.

True. But we’re doing what we can to give the little bitch what he deserves, right? If we bring him to justice, she’ll be safe. If he ever made her as happy as I feel right now … then they both deserve a go at it. Don’t they?

Wren pulled the blanket off of them and went to the kitchen to rummage through the fridge. Sarah raised her knee and eyed him closely while she trailed a hand up her inner thigh. His throat bobbed and he looked away, smirking.

Fuck you for that.

Sarah chuckled through her nose, covering herself with the blanket again when Rhaena came back in from the bedroom.

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