Page 9 of Premonition of Peace

“I know,” I answered with a smile I didn’t feel. “You’re a lot of things, but you’re not vindictive.”

We were quiet for a minute, but it wasn’t awkward. It was easy, it always had been between us. In many ways I missed this just as much as every other part of Nat. What I felt went far beyond fucking her. It was a little dark and dangerous and obsessive. I wanted her body. Her thoughts. Her silence. Everything. She was my peace, and so I’d give anything to have even a part of her.

It was more than I deserved after all I’d done, but I wasn’t the noble sort. If she wanted me, I was hers. Period.

“What did you really come here for?” I asked, rubbing circles with my thumb into her side. “While I won’t complain, I know it wasn’t for this,” I added, giving her a squeeze.

She heaved a deep sigh. “I have a question for you, and I need an honest answer. Please.”

Her tone was serious, and I brought my eyes back to hers. My eyebrow raised expectantly.

“Why did Kat try to contact Morgan Le Fay?” she asked, her gaze steady, seeing straight through me. “And don’t lie again. I know you did last time.”

Her question was unexpected. Enough so that I paused stroking her skin, having to consider my answer.

“Nat, that’s not my story to tell. I’m sorry.”

As much as I loved Nat, I loved Katherine too. In a totally different way, but I wouldn’t betray her trust if I could avoid it. In the viper’s den, she had become my best friend. For as long as I could, I’d protect her, and I’d guard what she entrusted me to know.

“Marcel, something bad is going on. I know it,” she said, her voice firm. “And I have a hunch that Kat’s efforts with The Morrigan is why.” When I didn’t say anything she continued. “People are dying. I need to know what she’s gotten herself into.”

“Nat, I swore I wouldn’t tell a soul. What kind of man does that make me if I break my word?”

Nathalie pressed her lips together, understanding but not letting it go either. “If I’m right, either Kat’s next on the hit list, or I am.”

Her words dropped deep into my stomach, weighty and overwhelming. I’d protect Kat as my best friend and I’d fucking kill for Nat, die for her. Anything. I grabbed my bottom lip between my teeth and bit punishingly hard.Fuck.It felt like betrayal, but for this?

If what she said was the truth, then vows be damned.

I wouldn’t put either of them at risk.

“She wanted to find out how to bring back Prudence,” I confessed, and Nathalie reeled back in surprise.

“What?” Her brows puckered in surprise. “Why would she want to do that?”

“Prudence wasn’t just her best friend, Nat,” I said, slowly. “Prudence and Katherine were together.”

“Together?” It took a second before understanding crossed her features. “Oh . . .oh. . .”

“She was the love of her life. Still is, really.”

A long moment passed as Nathalie processed what I’d told her. A brief look of sadness appeared before she covered it up. “Gods. No wonder she never forgave me.”

“What has she gotten herself into?” I pressed. “Why did you ask about that? And why do you think you might be targeted next?”

Nathalie sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping further. “You’re better off not knowing. It’s just going to stress you out.”

“Are you serious right now? No. Don’t do that,” I demanded, my voice hardening. “I just spilled Kat’s most deeply guarded secret, and I did it to protect you both. I deserve to know.”

Nathalie measured me with her gaze, then nodded. She shifted her body, and moved to stand, offering me a hand up.“Fine, but you’re going to need to put some pants on. Nothing about what I’m going to tell you leads to sexy time.”

four

NATHALIE

Sitting in my car,I gripped the wheel, turning my knuckles white as I stared ahead at the unmoving scenery around me. I’m glad I couldn’t find a parking spot closer to August’s apartment. I didn’t want to risk Marcel seeing this happen.

I didn’t want him to see me break down.

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