Page 80 of Caged By the Ruthless Thief

“Belle,” I yell, which is what I should have started with.

“Holter?” She comes running out of the back room. She’s got a giant emerald necklace on. She reaches for me but then sees the podlet on the floor. “Holter, let Azzurio up. He hasn’t done anything. He’s been trying to help me contact someone in Glyden to get a message to Nico and you.”

“This is Holter?” the kid croaks out. “You didn’t tell me your name.” I take my foot off his chest and offer him a hand up. He rubs his neck. “That was terrifying but impressive. Could you show me how to do that?”

Nico races into the shop, having received my message. His eyes are glowing, the sinew on his neck popping out. He’s ready to cut someone down. He’s ready to take down an entire unit of someones.

I place my hand on Nico’s shoulder, but Belle picks up on it too. She wraps herself around him, immobilizing him with love.

“Where is Eros? Why did he bring you here?” Nico’s on edge.

She lets Nico go but doesn’t step back too far. “He took me... We were going to go to the green dome, but then he remembered an errand he had to run.” She glances at the podlet. “He didn’t have time to take me home but knew I’d be safe here. But you know how all of this could have been avoided?” She waves her hand in a big circle from the floor where the podlet has just been to Nico and back to me and raises her eyebrows. Neither of us answer.

“If she had access to the block Castor gave her,” the helpful podlet answers. He smiles at her like he just answered the question correctly for a placement exam.

“No,” Nico answers.

But I don’t. Because the podlet might be right. “I’m sorry about the whole thing.”

“Taking my trident and flipping me on the floor? Nah, it’s all good.” He smiles, his chin lifted to me.

“That doesn’t answer the question. Where is Eros?”

“He-he said he’d be back soon. I did message him, but he hasn’t replied.” The podlet is doing his best to look only at Belle.

But her hands are on my chest and Nico’s. “Thank you very much, Azzurio. If Eros comes by, please tell him I went home with my mates.”

“As long as you’re sure. Michio wouldn’t want you to go home with anyone if you weren’t sure.”

“Michio?” Nico and I both speak at the same time. The governor of Zaffiro has no say over our mate.

“Yes,” she says. “Let’s get moving, and I’ll fill you in.”

Nico grabs her right hand, tucking her and it into his side. Hell, if it wouldn’t be talked about, he’d pick her up and carry her out of here. We say nothing until we get to the Drakosomada. Our happy bubble has burst; I’m furious with Eros.

Belle gets in the back, and Nico climbs in with her.

I stare. “I’m the chauffeur now? We’re not in the service anymore. You don’t outrank me.”

Nico’s scowl reaches his toes. Too soon. Retirement is affecting us both. Belle might have been on Nico about what he’s going to do, how he’s going to stay occupied, but I’m not far behind him.

“You too,” he growls. “Get in the back. We need to talk this out.”

“Or—hear me out—we wait until we get home?” Belle puts her hand on his knee.

“No. Our week is up.”

“Tomorrow.”

“Close enough,” Nico growls.

I get in the front of theomadaand wiggle between the seats to perch on the chair in the second row.

“Were you piloting ouromada?” Nico asks.

Belle purses her lips and looks up at him. It reminds me of how Mickey looks up at her when he breaks a stick.

“Annabelle, answer the question.”

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