Page 25 of High Stakes and Soulmates
“Right?” Ezio asks.
“I do get what you’re saying though, Ezio. There is a peculiar smell in here, and it does center on this hair tie for some reason. It’s older, though. Can we go outside? And then over to the other crime scene?”
“Yeah, of course,” I agree before realizing I’m still holding the leash that’s hooked to the collar around his neck while he stands in front of me as a human. What’s even more awkward is that Ezio has decided to snap a picture of this scene, which he’s surely sending Casimir.
“Weirdly… not the strangest thing I’ve done,” Julian says with a grin.
“It’s up there for me,” I comment. “Whose idea was this collar? You look ridiculous.”
“I look phenomenal,” he teases. “It was a collar set that came with one of Gustov’s outfits and the only one big enough to fit me. You get what you get. Casimir talked about dressing me up before I arrived, so at least I talked him out of that. For an old, supposedly prestigious vampire, he gets his kicks from some wild things.”
“Sure does,” I say as he shifts again, and we head outside. Julian sniffs every inch of the yard before I lead him over to the couple’s car. He scrutinizes all seats and even puts his paws up to peer into the trunk.
He drops down and then sits at my feet, telling me he’s done. I’m really not sure what else there would be to search if he’s gotten nothing so far.
I lead him out to Ezio’s car and Ezio gets into the driver’s seat.
We pull out, heading over to the other address, which Maeve is already aware we were going to. She assured us she’d meet us at the crime scene and give us ample time to go over it.
Julian shifts back to his human form during the drive. “I didn’t smell anything in their yard. Their car was pretty unremarkable too. I got a small whiff of something from the floor mat, but I can’t tell you what it was, it was so faint. I wish I was more help. I’m not sure I’m accomplishing much at all.”
“You’re already more help than Ezio,” I tease.
Ezio gasps. “Excuse me? I found a bunch of shit for you! Don’t make me cry. I’m gonna cry.”
“Are you crying over the fact that Julian’s naked ass is on your seat?” I ask.
“I wasn’t going to but now I’m wondering if I should,” Ezio says.
Julian snorts. “Says the man who was nakedon my couchwhile Casimir painted a picture of him. Oh! And you even asked me to join you!”
“It was a tasteful nude, Julian. Very tasteful. Not raunchy in the slightest.”
I hesitate as I try my best to comprehend this. “Excuse me, so… Julian… stood there while you lay… naked on his couch and Casimir… painted you? Was he naked as well?”
“No, no. I was the only one naked.”
“I’m not sure if that’s better or worse,” I realize.
Ezio gasps like I might’ve said something that offended him. “Julian is naked right now!”
“It’s okay,” Julian assures us. “I’m using the leash to like… cover the tip.”
“The leash I have to hold on to?” I ask in horror.
“You’re so picky! I was naked while you trotted me around with your coworkers! My balls were out then, and you weren’t saying anything about it.”
“Yeah, but they were fluffy,” Ezio says. “Now they’re…” He simply trails off as I question why I’m even a part of any of this.
“Fucking hell,” I whisper.
Julian and Ezio are laughing now. Why? I have no idea.
“We’re almost there, so go ahead and shift back,” I suggest.
“I’m going to tell Casimir you drove me around town and refused to even offer me a speck of clothing to cover myself up with,” Julian says.
I hesitate as I realize I really could have offered him something. “Sorry. Do you want my shirt?”
