Page 80 of His Eternal Temptation

“Not really.”

“Fine. Want to hear about the time I went swan diving off the cliffs north of the city?”

TWENTY-TWO

ROWAN

After another long day, retreating to the casino for poker night gave Rowan a much-needed dose of normality. It remained closed to the public while Emile recovered, with a few employees holding down the fort for any Valeros or approved allies who wanted to stop by. Still, the weekly ritual grounded Rowan.

Poker night was strictly for fun and strictly with close friends. Rowan was the first to arrive in their usual private room and poured a drink as he waited. Hopefully, Lane would join one day. If he played poker. Rowan would have to ask.

It was odd not having Lane at his side.

Rowan almost laughed. He’d gone from cursing Lane’s existence to missing his constant presence. It would be absurd if it weren’t so wonderful. But there was no need to be completely codependent. Lane would likely encourage him to spend more time on his own with friends, not less. It was sound advice, even if most of Rowan’s friends were in his coven and he saw them all the time.

Nico was next to arrive, and Rowan’s pulse kicked up a notch.

“How are you?” he asked as Nico grabbed himself a drink.

“Good as ever.” He grinned like a sly devil. “Onyx tagged along tonight, but I’ll try not to let him pull me away too early.”

“Onyx is here? I was hoping to speak with him.”

Nico’s brows rose. “Voluntarily?”

“I don’t hate him,” Rowan grumbled.

“He doesn’t hate you either.” Nico settled at the table. After a pause, he said carefully, “He’s only ever seen one side of you.”

Yes, the cool, collected, coven-leader-who-takes-no-shit side. Onyx had not been impressed. “If Onyx can manage to be civil, rather than rude every chance he gets, maybe I’ll let him in on my fun side.”

Nico laughed. “He’s working on it. You’ll win him over next time you dance at the club, guaranteed. If we’re invited.”

“Hmph.” Rowan pretended to be unimpressed knowing Nico would see right through it. He would always be invited. “Mind if I duck out and talk to Onyx before we begin?”

“Not at all. Leo is on his way over, and I’ve been waiting all day to hear how he likes the new World’s End update.”

“In that case, I better run.” Rowan didn’t play the popular video game and had no desire to hear Nico and Leo’s extensive opinions.

“Good luck,” Nico called as he left.

Sure enough, Rowan passed Leo, one of the casino bartenders, on his way down the hall. “Nico’s waiting.”

Leo cackled. “Good to see you’re escaping while you can.”

Rowan found Onyx poking at a slot machine, drinking a glass of blood. “Oh, goodie, Rowan’s here.”

“Yes, I’m here in my own casino, how strange.”

Onyx smirked. “You think you’re so clever.” He pointed to the coaster beneath his glass. “I cannot believe you named this place Eden. How did I miss that before?”

“You were probably too busy complaining about how much you hate being here.”

“True. I can’t decide if it’s worse when the place is dead or better. It’s only a matter of time before I leave. My money is better spent on dancers than this drivel.” He glared at the slot machine.

Rowan bit back a snarky comment. “Before you go, I was hoping to have a word.”

Onyx’s sharp eyes narrowed. “Why?”