Page 58 of My Wild Horse King

“Really?” I tilt my head so I can see him a little better. He towers over me, and when we’re walking side-by-side down the street, I can basically only see his shoulder. “Because I seem to recall almost getting you shot a few minutes ago.”

“I could’ve stayed out of it.” He shrugs.

“Why didn’t you?” I almost trip over an uneven spot in the pavement. “You didn’t even know it was me.”

He clears his throat. “We’re almost to the restaurant, and our order will be waiting, I think.”

“Why are you picking up food for everyone?” I can’t help thinking there must be someone better. “Don’t rich people get delivery these days? I’ve seen ads for Door Dash. I think that’s what they do.”

“This place doesn’t do deliveries, and I love their chicken parmesan. And their breadsticks.” He shrugs. “It’s one of the best things about New York.”

“You can give my bag back,” I say. “You won’t be able to carry the food and the bag.”

He clutches my bag against his chest. “I’m not letting go of this. You’ll bolt for Iceland.”

I roll my eyes. “Like I can’t go without my bag.”

“You can’t.” He frowns. “Women need their stuff.”

“You know nothing about women.”

“It seemed like most of the people in there knew nothing about you,” he says. “Do you really think that now, Leonid will fly right out here and try to kill me?”

I wish I knew. “Leonid has never been someone that anyone understands.” I sigh. “Sometimes he tells me what he’ll do, like when he said he’ll leave you alone unless you access your magic. But other times, I have no idea what to expect. This is one of those. I knew what he would do if youdidn’taccess your powers, but now that you have?” I stop and look up at the signage on the brick storefront.

We’re here.

“I’ll wait outside,” I say.

“Nice try.” He points. “March.”

I act annoyed, but it’s actually kind of funny that he’s treating me like I’m some kind of miscreant he has to keep an eye on. I could shift into a horse and bolt if I really wanted to, and there’s no way he could stop me.

I’m officially sad that he came into his powers by committing a selfless act, but it feels just a little nice that someone wants me to stick around. I can’t even think of the last time someone actuallywantedme.

Gustav leans in and murmurs something to the woman behind the front desk and she waves us over to the bar. A moment later, we’re on our way, Gustav’s free hand and one of mine laden with bags of food. It smells really, really good. “Let’s hope none of the others have a garlic allergy,” I say.

He chuckles.

“Actually, it would be fine if Adriana does.”

“Do you really hate her?” His eyes look genuinely curious when I glance his way. “And do you still love him?”

I shrug. “I mean, I thought I did, but I’m way less upset than I thought I’d be. It’s pretty clear that he’s made his choice, and it’s not me. I should’ve seen that before, I guess.”

“He does look at her like she’s the last cookie in New York.”

The image of Alexei looking at Adriana like she’s something to eat makes me smile. “Gives new meaning to that English phrase, ‘have your cookie and eat it too.’”

“Cake,” Gustav says.

“Huh?”

“Never mind.” He sighs. “But tell me this, before you’re standing in front of the firing squad. How did Leonid get his first ability? After he found out he could see people’s good and bad like me, then what? Because now he has three powers, right?”

I sigh.

“You don’t have to tell me, but I feel like it might become relevant.”

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