Page 89 of Blood and Bonbons

Cross’ jaw clenched. “If I tell you both to leave him to his fate, you will try to skewer me.”

Vena glanced at me. “He’s smart.”

Cross scrubbed his hand over his face, looking a little older than he had moments ago. Clearly, the map was trouble.

“If I look into this, I will have your word that you will not attempt any more capers like you did today.” He stared hard at Vena. “You will not endanger your friend for your brother.”

She eyed him. “How are you going to look into it? You’re still barely functioning in society. No one says caper anymore.”

He leveled her with a glare. “I have you to thank for impeding my progress. However, I had enough skill to rescue you, didn’t I? Now, do I have your word?”

Vena looked thoughtful. “You have my word for the rest of today and tonight. We have to work anyway. We can renegotiate in the morning after you tell me what you’ve found.”

Cross’ eyes turned black, but before I could panic, they shifted back to amber.

He nodded to Vena and looked at me. “You should be safe for now. Come nightfall, I’ll be nearby.”

“Nearby?” I asked. “You mean here? Or are you following us to work?” After Anchor’s reaction to smelling him here, I didn’t think it would be wise for Cross to walk into Blur.

“I will be here, awaiting your return. Stop for no one on your way home. Understood?”

I nodded.

“Hold tight,” Vena said. “I’ll find you something to wear so you don’t have to wait for your clothes.” She was already heading for our front door.

Glancing at Cross, I found him watching me. Why did he have to look so tempting in that towel? I needed a distraction.

“Have you had a chance to watch any television yet?” I asked.

“Not yet.”

“It might help educate you.”

Vena returned fifteen minutes later, which had given me enough time to introduce Cross to our favorite reality show.

“It’s ridiculous that this is how werewolves managed to gain the acceptance of polite society,” Cross said. “For centuries, they were nothing but backwoods mongrels, not fit for a drawing room.”

“Polite society? Drawing room?” Vena said, closing the door behind her. “You’re making yourself sound like eighty when you only look thirty. Tops. If you want to blend, you can’t look or sound old.” She punctuated the statement by tossing him a bundle of clothes.

“Those are trendy as of this year. No trick.” She paused for a moment, growing serious. “Please find my brother.”

Cross rose with the clothes in his arms.

“I will do my best.”

I stood as he walked away.

“I’m going to go blow dry my hair so it doesn’t dry funny for work,” I said. “Don’t forget Shepard wants us there early.”

“We still have hours, Ev,” she said as I walked away.

By the time I left my bedroom with silky smooth and golden dry hair, the bathroom was open.

Cross’ prowl of the dining room paused when I entered. Vena shook her head and waved a hand at him.

“Will you please tell him how he looks?”

My gaze slid over him, taking in the relaxed jeans and very snug t-shirt. The man could probably wear a sack and look delicious. But what he had on now was tempting enough that I’d offer to buy him a drink if Vena and I were out clubbing.

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