Burning Blood

Dillon didn’t find it fu

His eyes narrowed on me. “If you’re doubting my loyalty then let me assure you, I’m not trying to keep you safe for any other reason than I like you. Alive. Besides.” He stretched out his legs, his black boots crossing at the ankles. “If you died, I’d be unemployed. And after you? I’d be bored to fucking tears guarding anyone else.”

I laughed a little.

Lucien’s jaw flexed.

Whisper never took his eyes off Dillon.

“I have a question.” Dillon pointed at the panther. “Is that thing going to eat me the moment I turn my back?”

“That thing is the least of your problems.” Lucien’s fire kindled again.

“Easy,” I whispered, resting my hand on his arm that was slung arrogantly over my legs.

He glowered at me before visibly restraining himself.

“Now that I’ve answered your questions...is there somewhere I can crash?” Dillon yawned. “I’m exhausted.”

“Eh...about that.” I shot a wary look at Lucien before saying, “Perhaps it would be best if you headed home? You could take some time off and—”

“No way.” Dillon snapped upright. “If you’re pla

“But—”

“Give me a chance to actually do my job and protect you, Rook. I’m staying.”

“Before you invite yourself into my home,” Lucien said softly, leaning forward to cage me in his arms. “It’s my turn to ask a question.”

“Fine.” Dillon sniffed. “What is it?”

Lucien smiled like a man about to unleash hell. “Are you in love with her?”

“Excuse me?” Dillon’s eyebrows flew up.

“Are you in love with her?” Lucien went fatally still.

My heart pounded. I already knew the answer. There was nothing—

“I love her,” Dillon said plainly.

What?!

The room turned blisteringly hot as Lucien turned into a human incense burner.

“I love her,” Dillon repeated like an idiot. “But...not in the way you’re implying.” His blue gaze fell on mine, softening with affection. “I love her like a pesky sister. I love her because she’s become my only family. And—”

His eyes dropped to my throat.

He blanched. “Rook...where’s your necklace?”