Page 34 of His Eternal Temptation

“But…” Rowan couldn’t seem to think of how to finish.

“But nothing. Arguing is a waste of time. You know I’m right.” Cecile pulled out her phone, typing as she talked. “Emile is following a lead in the Arts District. I’ll look into Caden now, and once we know more, I’ll update you. There are plenty of hands ready to pitch in, no matter which way this goes.”

“All right.” Rowan relented. “Can you find someone to look into the Sherwoods’ current whereabouts while you’re at it?”

“Sure thing.” Cecile’s fingers flew across her phone screen.

Rowan seemed reluctant to leave her to it, adding, “What about the Hillmans? Any updates?”

“I’ve exhausted the search.” A furrow appeared on Cecile’s brow. “They seem to have sprung from nowhere. No one’s heard of them.”

“Suspicious,” Rowan muttered.

“I don’t know who else they associate with,” Lane said before anyone could accuse him of withholding information or making things up. “They said they were from out east. That’s all I know.”

“Thank you, Lane. I didn’t mean to direct suspicion at you.” Rowan’s words hit Lane right in the chest, in a good way for once. He seemed to realize it because his expression softened. “Come. We have other things to work out. The Hillmans are a problem for another day.”

TEN

ROWAN

Rowan found Nicole in the witch room, sitting at a table covered in books alongside Vera, a white, redheaded witch who also consulted for the Valeros. Lane, who’d been silent since they’d left Cecile, hovered conspicuously by the door as Rowan told Nicole what happened in the café.

“Your hunger makes sense,” she said once Rowan finished explaining. “With the curse feeding off your magic and lifeforce, your body is working harder than usual. Especially to counter the deadly effects. I’m sorry, I should have realized this would happen and warned you.”

“I suspected as much. Don’t worry about it.” Rowan could feed himself without being told. “I only wanted to update you, in case it helped with the solution. Have you made any progress?”

Nicole’s apologetic look said it all.

“Then I won’t disturb you further.” He turned to go.

“Take care of yourself in the meantime, Rowan,” she called after him.

It was as if she’d been talking to Cecile. Rowan ground his teeth. He looked after himself perfectly fine and didn’t need anyone else taking up the charge.

He returned to his office, with Lane trailing along, and poured another glass of blood. On second thought, he brought the entire bag to his desk.

The formality of drinking from crystal failed to add its usual refinement. Rowan felt beastly, his skin itchy as hot need thrummed through his cursed veins. He steadily drained the bag’s contents, transferring portion after portion into the damned glass. Gradually, his hot hunger faded, the itch in his skin and ache in his fangs slowly subsiding, but his thoughts were no less agitated.

How long would this last? Losing control in the café haunted him as much as last night’s dream. Was the curse responsible for both? Wearing on his mind as well as his body?

He’d neglected to mention the dream to Nicole.

When Rowan was finished, Lane approached and leaned casually against the edge of the desk. “What do you usually do to relax?”

“Nothing I’d do with you.” It was unnecessarily bitchy, but Rowan felt caged. Exposed. He’d warmed considerably to Lane, but rather than finding comfort in his growing trust, it made him want to run. Hide. Push Lane away and retreat to the safety of solitude.

Unfortunately, Lane didn’t take the snarky bait and responded without anger. “You’re stuck with me, so you’re going to have to make do. Come on, I’m sure we can find something.”

Rowan’s pulse spiked, his skin flashing hot. “Just because I’m stuck with you doesn’t mean I’m having sex with you.” His insides twisted. Damnation, why had he said that?

Before humiliation could threaten Rowan’s immortal life, color bloomed across Lane’s cheeks. Good. Hopefully, the shock of his remark would push Lane away.

Even though what Rowan really wanted was the opposite.

Caution entered Lane’s tone. “I wasn’t suggesting you have sex with me.” He paused, brow furrowed. “Is sex the only time you relax?”

Fuck, Rowan was giving everything away. He told himself not to answer, especially given Lane’s inquisitive stare. He wasn’t teasing or poking fun. He was trying to understand, and what was worse, a growing part of Rowan wanted to be figured out.