“You think I’m mistaken?”
“You think you are right?” he countered. “That your evidence is solid? That you are a hundred percent in line with the truth, and there is no sliver of a chance that the shadow was manipulating you?”
Silence. The anger dissipated as she sobered, his words finally getting through. Reluctantly, she shook her head.
“No.” She lifted her chin. “That’s why I’m asking you to find out.”
“And what if I don’t help?”
Disappointment flared and was banked down quickly. She shrugged.
“It’s up to you.”
She sounded like it would take something from her, this knowledge that he didn’t seem to care. But she didn’t walk away, green eyes searching his and so vulnerable. Nico strode closer, reaching out again. When she didn’t pull away, he tugged her in an embrace, tucking her head on his neck and kissing the top of her hair. Just like that, the argument melted away as all that mattered was having her here safe and sound.
And Nico realized he would do everything to make sure she was always safe and sound.
“I can check it out. But I will do everything in private. I don’t want to create a stir.” He looked down while she looked up. “You see my people and you’ve became friends with them. What do you think will happen if they hear this?”
“They will ostracize me,” she said.
“Or they will doubt Angelo, and it will create a division.”
“Because our old clan leaderwasevil, and Angelo’s still working on getting rid of old ways. Sometimes, it takes a lifetime to do so.”
“And I will ruin what he built with my accusation. My words.”
“Words not backed with evidence,” he corrected. To his relief, she didn’t argue, leaning against him. At least one thing was clear: that while she didn’t trust Angelo, she trusted him. It was enough for now. “Anne?”
“What?”
“I promise to check it out. Please believe me.”
“I believe you.”
“Now, tell me what you got.”
She blinked. Then she looked down at the boxes. “Oh.” Anne visibly struggled to get back to normal conversation, but she succeeded as she nodded. “Food. For everyone. Different kinds. But the cupcakes with the cartoon toppings are for the kids.”
This was the woman who was after his heart without her even knowing it. He held it close, keeping silent instead of pointing out how much she loved the children already. Casually, he picked up the boxes.
“Thank you. So, just food?”
Silence.
“Yes. Just food.”
“Cool. Let’s take it to the others, then.”
She smiled. But the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
***
Anne still accepted him in her tent or slept in his bedroom, their unofficial relationship more open to the rest, but the details were still private. His kin just seemed to accept it, anyway, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. They still made love, and she still mingled with the others, as close to Rosalia as always and forging bonds with a few others.
But he felt her distance: a slow, quiet kind of retreat that stirred his senses, so subtle that those not in touch with her heart and soul wouldn’t have noticed it. Desperation had him touching her wilder than he was used to, his wordless begging for her to stay. She responded in kind, her flushed skin and dilated eyes telling him how much she liked it.
“I’m close,” he rasped, thrusting into her snug channel. He lifted her hips to adjust the angle, orbs clashing with hers. When he found her sweet spot, her mouth formed an O as she wriggled.