Page 33 of To Ashes and Dust
“I know.”
“She may not realize it, but I think she feels it. I can tell she feels closer to you than the others,” I said. “She looks up to you.”
“What are you two sulking about over here?” Cassie’s voice seemed a tad higher than usual. I tilted my head to look back at her. Her cheeks were flushed, and while she seemed aware, I could tell just how drunk she was by the way her legs shifted ever so slightly to maintain her balance, her hazel eyes glossy.
“Talking about how you’ve had enough to drink,” I teased.
“I’m notthatdrunk,” she argued, reaching for my glass, but I lifted it out of her reach.
“No, you don’t. This is not for you.”
She put her hands on her hips, cocking an eyebrow. “Why? Is it too strong for me?” A sarcastic tone painted her tongue.
Gods, the sight of her flushed cheeks, the sound of the attitude in her tone—I wanted to steal her away to the back room, strip her down, and sink between those pretty thighs. The music would be loud enough to drown out the moans I wanted to drag from of her. “Let’s just say this stuff is strong enough to put a human down for good.”
She scoffed. “What is it, some sort of nectar of the Gods or something?”
“Ambrosia liquor.” Eiko leaned over the bar to rest her chin on her hands. “Semele has a contact in the Godsrealm. She’s the only bartender who serves it on this side of the veil.”
Semele snuck up behind Eiko, her hands wrapping around Eiko’s waist as she pulled her back from the counter before nuzzling into her neck. Eiko’s sweet laughter filled my ears, and I smiled as she wrestled free of Semele and slipped from behind the counter.
“Is Eiko human?” It was cute how she leaned in to whisper, but I knew she might be afraid of offending her.
“Half,” I whispered back.
“I like them, a lot,” she said, watching them from afar. “Can we come here more often?”
I nodded. “Anytime you have energy after a patrol or we’re off shift for the night, we can come here for a drink.”
She smiled, and Semele brought her over a fresh drink.
“Where’d you go, Cas?” Thalia called. Barrett was at her back, an arm wrapped around her waist. I blinked.Well, shit...
“Coming!” Cassie grabbed her drink as she thanked Semele and popped a kiss on my cheek.
I glanced at Semele, who winked at me. “Her drinks have been light tonight, but I think she’s had enough. That one was a virgin.”
I huffed a laugh and looked back at the group congregating around the couches.
Eiko squealed when a song came on the jukebox, the beats vibrating through the counter, and she grabbed Cassie, who grabbed Anna and they all migrated over to the open floor to dance.
Tonight was for celebration. I’d watch and let her enjoy herself, watch her drink and dance with our family.Our family. And while I hoped we’d have more chances to enjoy our time together.
I knew few nights like this may remain.
The wood steps creaked under my feet as I carried Cassie up the stairs. Her curls hung over my shoulder, her face pressed against my neck as she lay draped over my back.
She groaned. “Sorry you have to carry me up the stairs again.”
I laughed. “I’d carry you up these stairs every night for the rest of my life if I needed to.”
She tilted her head, her nose pressing into my neck as I nudged our bedroom door open, heading for the bed to lay her down. She inhaled deeply, and I could hear the smile in her voice as she spoke. “Have I told you lately how wonderful you smell?”
If only she knew how easily her scent could bring me to my knees. “I think you’ve had a little too much to drink,mea luna.”
“Nonsense!” she huffed as we neared the bed. “I bet I could walk a straight line. Go ahead, test me, Mr. Officer.”
I chuckled. “The fact that I had to carry you up the stairs says otherwise.”
