“And the devil appears!” the man said and dropped a kiss on Clio’s cheek. Chance grunted from the bar where he was watching, and Pyro sent Chance an amused glance. Pyro had dirty blond hair hanging loosely around his face and keen blue eyes that took me in. He was lean and finely muscled and clearly worked out at a gym.
“Found my old lady yet?” Pyro teased Clio, his voice a rich baritone.
“Nope, but I checked under every rock possible. Maybe you should start kissing frogs?” Clio teased, and the tall man sank onto the arm of her chair. A cough came from Chance’s direction, but Pyro ignored him.
“Can I kiss your sister?” Pyro asked, and Clio slapped him across his taut stomach.
“No, are you calling her a frog? Because we’re identical,” Clio hissed, and I hid a grin at the look in Pyro’s eyes.
“Watch your mouth,” Chance called out as Pyro opened his mouth and shut it again.
“Would I do that?” Pyro asked.
“Yes!” Clio exclaimed, and I laughed as Pyro mussed her hair. Clio’s hands flapped at his.
“Chance,” Clio whined.
“Brother!” Chance bellowed, and, with one final swipe, Pyro stopped.
“So, how did it go today?” Pyro asked, and I stared steadily at him. “You know, getting to know Bear and Hellfire.”
“I learned a lot about Hellfire,” I said, ignoring the Bear part. From Pyro’s current actions, I should have known better.
“And Bear?” Pyro pushed.
“Bear’s growly and huge,” I replied, sticking to the safe answer. Pyro threw his head back and laughed.
“Bear’s that. Any news from Hawthorne?” Pyro asked Clio, and I was dizzy from the quick change of subject.
“Not yet. As soon as Dylan knows something, then we’ll know,” Clio said and leant forward. “What do you think the others will be like?”
“No idea. I’ve thrown any pre-conceptions out of the window after meeting you,” I said, smiling. Clio nodded sagely.
“That’s a good idea. Now, what is Bear doing tomorrow?” Clio said, popping the arrogant man back into the conversation.
“Nothing that I know of. I need to spend time with Kelly and see what he’s planned. Clio, I won’t ignore Kelly because I found you,” I said firmly, and Clio nodded in approval.
“Good to hear, and I’d like to meet him. Chance, can we have a hog tomorrow?” Clio called over her shoulder.
“Party!” Pyro chirped up and grinned as snorts flew from every direction.
“Yeah,” Chance growled, and I cast a look at him. Chance glowered at Pyro. But there was an expression in Chance’s eyes that spoke of relief that Pyro was happy. I wondered about that. Had Pyro been upset?
“Beer, hog and wenches, my type of party,” Pyro grinned and skipped away before Clio could smack him again.
“That man!” Clio said, shaking her head. “Tomorrow, you and Kelly are expected.”
“If you wish,” I said, and Clio clapped her hands in delight.
“Yup, don’t worry about bringing food. The clubhouse will have everything we need.”
“Okay. And the day after, you’ll spend time with Bear visiting Hellfire’s businesses,” Clio said and waited for me to argue.
“Deal,” I said, enjoying the light in Clio’s eyes when I threw her expectations out of the window.
???
“What are you drinking?” Bear rumbled as he peered at the glass in my hand and wrinkled his nose.