Page 17 of D'Vaire or Nothing
Victor Antonov-Daray was the housekeeper and chef for the Daray household. The Russian Blue shifter had been part of Grymington’s life since the beginning, and one of the greatest days the Daray family had ever celebrated was the recent matebond ceremony uniting Victor with his two mates.
“I’m sure Victor wouldn’t mind the comparison. Do you want to go follow that group of Darays we saw heading for the casino or take your girl for a walk?”
Still holding on to Devlin, Grymington glanced at his dog. She’d planted her butt on the shiny textured floor, but her tail continued to wag enthusiastically. It was tempting to find out what mischief the Darays were stirring up in the casino, but the night was young, so it wasn’t likely that the group would head upstairs soon. That left plenty of opportunity to allow Hekate to stretch her legs.
It was normal for Grymington to walk many miles a day with his active dog, and he never tired of making her happy.
“I think Hekate could use a walk,” Grymington told Devlin, who was smoothing his palms over the Lich Reaper’s suit jacket.
“Want to go upstairs, change into jeans, and grab your skateboard?”
Grymington smiled up at Devlin and tilted his chin up for a soft kiss. “Yes.”
“Should we text Orphie and Masse to see if they want us to take their dogs out with us?” Like Grymington, the other two reapers had Siberian Huskies. It was common for them to walk the huskies together or for one of the men to take all three dogs out alone. Sometimes the huskies were joined by the other resurrected canine in the family—but Princess was a pug and often grew annoyed at the speed and enthusiasm of the reapers’ pets.
“Yes, I will text them.”
Although Grymington was reluctant to release his hold on Devlin, he reminded himself that he had the entire weekend to enjoy being with him. So, Grymington snagged his phone from his pocket and fired off a group text to his two Scythe Lords. Their replies were immediate.
Both men wanted to enjoy the bright lights of Vegas with Grymington and Devlin. Grymington told them his plans tochange and get his skateboard. A minute later, he had his hand in Devlin’s and was heading for the elevator.
Grymington had a busy schedule aiding the Sentinel Brotherhood and making routine visits to cemeteries where he aided lingering spirits trying to find their way across the veil. Devlin had an equally hectic job as a member of the band he’d founded in the 1990s called Barbed Ebon. They generally had only one weekend each month carved out for rest and family.
Those few days were spent at the lively D’Vaire mansion, and Grymington adored those visits. He was also embracing this rare opportunity to have nothing to do but enjoy his mate and have some quality time with the people they both cared deeply about.
Devlin waited for the elevator doors to close, then gave Grymington a spicy smile. “I want you to know that no matter how late we wind up staying up tonight, I intend to drag my lips over every inch of you later.”
Once again, Grymington shivered at the thought of being thoroughly loved by Devlin. “If that is a promise, I’ll hold you to it, Devlin.”
Crowding Grymington in the hallway the second they stepped onto the correct floor of the hotel, Devlin nipped the Lich Reaper’s neck above the collar of his shirt and tweaked one of his nipple piercings through his shirt.
“It’s not just a promise, Grym. That’s a guarantee.”
Tugging Devlin close, Grymington smiled at him. “I am eager to be alone with you, so I insist we spend no more than an hour with the dogs. As for the casino, it will be here tomorrow and we can explore it then.”
“I love the way you think, Lich Reaper,” Devlin said.
Grymington was still wearing a grin as Devlin took his mouth in a searing kiss. Despair may have plagued Grymingtonin the past, but he’d put those dark days behind him, and life was damn good.
∞∞∞
Shane Ó Dubhghaile patted his full belly as he stalked out of King of Clubs with his other half, Gryphon.
“I think I ate too much,” Shane complained.
“You aren’t the only one.”
“What do you want to do now?”
Gryphon’s emerald green gaze met Shane’s, and he shrugged. “No clue. Any thoughts?”
“I think the massive amount of food in my stomach is rendering decisions impossible.”
“That sounds completely reasonable and not at all made up,” Gryphon teased as he took Shane’s hand. “Are your feet going to survive a walk around the resort?”
Glancing down, Shane wiggled his toes in the gorgeous navy-and-lavender heeled sandals he had paired with flowing slacks for his date with Gryphon. “Yep. Lead on, Gryphie.”
“I have something to tell you.”
