Page 80 of Adversary to the Villain

He cleared his throat, looking as near to sheepish as a man as stoic as he could be. “I was curious—and for good reason.”

“What on earth compelled you to readThe Cunning Corset Societyin the first place?” She smiled quizzically at the lovely bizarreness of it.

“Edwin said it was your favorite.”

She turned around to face him. “When you were in your study library thing…”

He ran a hand through his hair, appearing uncomfortable with her warmth toward him at the gesture. “I was looking for Edwin’s copy. Yes. I’m not exactly adept at romance, and I thought it might help me…win you, so to speak.”

Her eyes burned, and she rewarded his true goodness with the softest brush of her lips against his, savoring it, like it was the last time.

A few comfortable beats passed between them, the moment feeling just right. “I know there’s so much uncertainty,” Trystan said. “I know that you’re still adjusting, but will you give me the chance to prove to you that we can be happy together…without the world imploding?”

She felt vulnerable and raw when she nodded, hugging her arms around his neck. “I would like that.”

He was correct; there was still so much uncertainty.

But right now, they were merely Evie and Trystan.

For as long as Fate allowed.

Chapter 38

Blade

“You just want her to breathe on it?” Rebecka asked, unknowingly putting two protective hands on the little beast curling around her neck like a ferret. The touch was protective and purposeful, as Blade had always known her to be. It was a wonder to him that anyone had ever found Rebecka Erring cold.

She was warmth.

And worried for the little beasts when they’d wasted no time gathering together in the office kitchens, with the supposed solution to uncovering the book within two small animals that were more difficult to corral than Fluffy.

“Clarke could do it as well.” Blade strained at the harness, trying to keep Clarke from melting the kitchen table. And Gideon Sage’s left hand.

“Gah!” Gideon ripped his hand back. “Eve, their breath melts things. Is it wise to use it on the only chance we have?”

Alexander Kingsley cleared his throat. He’d transformed back into a frog at least three times that day before changing back, and Blade couldn’t help but pity the poor sod for such a tease of a human life. “Winnifred?” he rasped.

“She’s not an option.” Trystan shook his head.

“Why?” Keeley asked with folded arms.

“Because I had Malcolm escort her back to her post at my mother’s house.”

Blade noted the horrified look upon Evie’s face, the disappointment on Trystan’s, and the— Well, Blade had no idea what Kingsley was feeling, but judging by the hardness of his expression…it wasn’t pleasant.

“I don’t seek to judge her—” Evie started.

And Rebecka cut her off. “I do. Isn’t your mother a bitch?”

Evie tapped Rebecka’s shoulder and gave her a knowing nod. Blade coughed and laughed against his palm, nearly losing his hold of Clarke.

The boss, for his part, didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. “My father’s funeral is in two weeks. Winnifred thought it would be a kindness to assist Amara with the preparations.”

“Maybe the prophecy will be completed by then and Rennedawn will belong to you forever,” Gideon mused. “If this actually works, that is.”

Blade nodded, lost in thought as he absently handed Clarke a treat.

Rebecka sighed at his antics. “You’ve been giving him too many treats; he’s become a terror.”