Page 29 of A City of Hearts and Feathers

"Yes. And because Kahil already failed to protect your father, and I won't have him failing to protect you too," Kerem snapped before his eyes went wide. "Zoe, I'm sorry. I just… Your father?—"

"He was your friend. I get it. You still need to lay off Kahil about it." Zoe crossed her arms. "Babarefused the Order's help! It's not Kahil's fault that he didn't get there in time. I walked in on him trying to save him. I may have thought he killed him, but I know that's just what my child's mind reacted to. Kahil camestraight after me today without hesitation. He was there. He protected me, and I feel safe with him."

Kerem slumped back in his chair. "Okay, okay, I will apologize to him. It's been hard for me to move past your father's death, and Kahil is so irritating when he wants to be."

"I know, but he's only doing it because he feels like he deserves to be punished," Zoe said, and Kerem's brows shot up. "What? That never occurred to you?"

Kerem fidgeted. "Maybe you better go talk to him instead of me. You're the first person he's actually liked in a good fifty years."

Zoe tried to hide her smile. "You think so?"

"I know it. Now, go get him, and we can try and figure out what secret Oman left in this jewelry box for you. I'll message Arslan," Kerem replied, waving her off. "Oh, and Zoe? Do you care about the godfather thing?" He looked strangely nervous all of a sudden.

"No, I don't care. I wish I could have had you around more growing up, but we have time now," she said, trying not to sound too hopeful. She really liked Kerem when he and Kahil weren't bitching at each other.

"Thank you, Zoe. I would like that," he said, looking shyly down at his shoes. "Go and get Kahil. I won't fight with him, I promise."

Zoe found Kahil prowling along the rooftop garden like a caged cat. It was unfair how sexy he was glowering at the world. The Istanbul afternoon sun loved him, making his skin glow as golden as his eyes. He stopped pacing when he caught her watching him.

"Has Kerem left yet?" he asked as she joined him.

"No, but I told him off on your behalf."

Kahil frowned. "You did? What for?"

"I didn't like him trying to blame you for today. It was my fault. You told me to stay put, and I didn't. You saved me. Again," she said, bumping her shoulder against him.

"I should have known they would try something," Kahil said, glaring out at the city. "You are mine to protect, and they justtookyou."

"There was magic involved. Don't blame yourself."

"But I do!" He took her face in his hands, and her heart skipped a beat at the intensity in his golden eyes. "They could have hurt you, Zoe. Don't you get it? They will do whatever they need to in order to get that blasted codex. If I didn't catch that cab today because of the traffic, I might have lost you forever."

"But they didn't get me far. You found me in time." Zoe placed her hands on his forearms. "I'm fine, Kahil. Arslan will make me a talisman so I can't get enchanted so easily, and there will be no more wandering off on you."

Kahil brushed his thumbs over her cheeks, and for a second, she thought he might kiss her. Before she could consider how she would react to that, he dropped his hands away. Zoe took a ragged breath in as she stepped back from him, unsure if she was relieved or disappointed. It had been a while since she had been kissed, so it was probably for the best.

Kahil's heated expression slipped away, and he was back to being a teasing brat once more. "Talismans are all well and good, but maybe I should handcuff you to me to make sure no other enchantments have you wandering off. You know, as an extra precaution."

Zoe rolled her eyes at him. "I'll tell Arslan to make it an extra powerful talisman."

Kahil laughed, and the tension in his shoulders vanished. "I'll find my handcuffs anyway, just in case we need them for an emergency."

"You're ridiculous."

"That's what you like the most about me," he argued.

"I'm pretty sure it's your cooking," Zoe shot back. "If you've stopped pouting, I could use your help trying to find any hidden messages on the objectsbabaleft me."

Kahil nodded. "Okay. Pouting is stopping."

"Good, because I need all the help I can get." Zoe stopped him when they reached the door. She rose up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "That's for coming to rescue me today. Ripping car doors off and throwing people into the sea was very impressive, and I'm glad I have you on my side."

"You're welcome. Any time. Thanks," he stammered, looking genuinely shocked for once.

Zoe headed down the stairs, grinning from ear to ear.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

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