Page 33 of Twisted Knight

“Oh we’re doing the all ‘in denial’ thing? Okay.”

I rolled my eyes. “What are we? Back in high school?”

“You tell me. I’ve already told my prom queen I loved her, and I've put my babies in her.” He gestured toward me. “You’re the one acting all brooding and mysterious. ‘I like you but stay away from me’ type of weird vampire dude.”

“Vampire dude?” I ask, narrowing my eyes in suspicion. “Lord, don’t tell me you watchedTwilightagain.”

Luca slumped back on his seat. “It’s Cassie. I swear her pregnancy is getting her all weird. That was what we did last night in bed.”

“I see…” I couldn’t help the mischievous smile appearing on my face. Poking fun at Luca was much safer territory than the beautiful psychologist that was forcing her way into my head. “How exciting is married life! Watching movies about brooding vampires and teenage werewolves… Let me guess, you ate popcorn too?”

Luca snorted. “That’s preposterous! We did no such thing!”

“Cereal?”

“Lucky Charms.”

We burst into laughter. I loved these moments of carefree friendship we had despite their rarity. There were moments I never thought I’d ever get back when Luca sank into depression after his mother and sister's deaths, but he was back now, and once again that was thanks to Cassie, who saved him and in the same line, me, in more ways than she’d ever know.

“Thank you. I needed that.” He relaxed in his seat, and I realized how tense he had been before our little banter.

I take a sip of my drink, studying my friend, and I notice more and more the little details that show the extent of his weariness. His dark circles, visible despite the darker hue of his olive skin, the taut skin around his eyes and mouth…

“You know everything is fine, right?”

He nodded but remained silent.

“Listen, Cassie is followed by the most prestigious OB-GYN on the East Coast and the issue of the rat I’m dealing with.”

“That’s the thing though, isn’t it?” he said so quietly I was not sure it was for me.

I frowned, walking closer to him. “What is?”

“You shouldn’t have to be the one dealing with all that. It is my responsibility. My kingdom.”

I let out a humorless little laugh. “Uneasy is the head that wears a crown.”

“Quoting Henry IV?” He pursed his lips in an impressed pout. “Nice.”

“That’s all on the kid.” I waved my hand dismissively. “The thing is, Luca Henry IV was a narcissistic ass. You need to share that weight with me, like you shared mine for so many years.”

Luca had been the one who took me in after my father was killed; he had been the one keeping the secret of all the atrocities I’d done and witnessed. He did all of this at only fourteen years old. He’d fought the council, his father… anyone, like a wolf protecting his pack, and it had all been for me.

How could he ever think that any sacrifice or task would ever be too much? He deserved this and so much more. I owed him everything.

“You were never a weight for me, Domenico.”

“Same here.”

He sighed, running his hands on his face wearily. “Yes, I know. You’re a protector like I am.”

“Of my family? Yes. The rest”—I shrugged—“can get lost.”

“And does this family include India?”

“Who’s Jake?” I asked, purposely dodging the question, but the temptation was much too great.

“What do you mean?”

---