Page 22 of Cruel Destinies

“That’s the only reason I went back, I swear to you,” Julian went on. “I risked my life going back, and it was only thanks to the grace of whatever higher power exists that Hadrian, the vampire leader, didn’t kill me. I had no choice but to be part ofthat attack, or he would have. But I didn’t hurt those kids. I did as little as possible without alertingtoomuch suspicion.”

Finally finding my motor functions again, I managed to nod my head slowly up and down. For once, in the presence of this gorgeous creature, all the blood drained from my cheeks, and he must have noticed because he asked, “Shea, are you okay?”

I pulled my drink closer and took a sip, relieved that it cooled to a drinkable level. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little surprised, that’s all.”

He gave me a sheepish frown that made him look entirely cute. “Are you still willing to help me?”

How could I not melt under that imploring gaze? I forced my eyes away from his adorable face and looked down, only to finally see what he was wearing—the kitty sweater. Oh, for fuck sake!

“You found my gift,” I blurted out awkwardly.

“Oh, yeah.” He smiled and looked down at it. “The pink of the bow really flatters my eyes, don’t you think?”

I sighed, unable to fight a smile. “Yes, I’ll still help you.”Because, apparently, I’m a masochistic idiot who thrives on the rejection of super hot, unavailable men.

His smile grew, his eyes sparkling with relief that I tried not to read too much into. “How’s that going, by the way?”

I took another sip of my cocoa, willing its heat to warm my soul. “At this rate, it’ll take me ages to get through that book, and that’s not counting the locks and wards that keep the more powerful spells hidden. It’s like I have to earn the book’s trust.”

“Well, I’ve got all of eternity.”

His eyes found mine and held them for a long moment, a mixture of unreadable emotions swimming within them thatdid confusing things to my insides. Why did he have to be so mysterious? And gorgeous? And look so damn good in that ridiculous sweater? Honestly, I didn’t know who wore it better, him or Caesar.

“I should get going. I want to get back before dark.” Julian looked around as he rose from the table, a haunted look in his eyes. “You should, too.”

I nodded reluctantly.

He rested his hand on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze that sent shivers all the way down to my toes. “Don’t worry. We’ll get this worked out. And until then, you can use my apartment on the weekends for your experiments.”

His fingers began to lift off my shoulder, but I caught his wrist.

“Wait.” I pulled a pen from my purse and wrote my number on his palm. “In case you need to get ahold of me. Way quicker than a letter. Besides, you shouldn’t make the girl do all the work in the relationship. I’m progressive, but notthatprogressive.”

Julian smirked. “Until next time.”

I didn’t let go. “One more thing. How can you walk in the sunlight?”

He eased his wrist out of my grip and slid his hand into his pocket. He squinted at the large storefront windows, though his gaze seemed focused on something much further away in time and space.

“Dig deep enough in that book, and you’ll find the answer.”

I startled as a key clinked on the table.

“So you don’t have to break in anymore.” Julian winked.

I exhaled a forgotten breath as he breezed out of the cafe and put the key in my pocket with a soft smile on my lips. It was an unexpected gesture, one that I was trying desperately not to read anything into.

I finished my cocoa and exited the cafe. With my mind still brewing over the conversation I’d had with Julian, I nearly ran into a guy who looked to be about my age. Brown eyes with flecks of amber met my gaze from beneath dark hair, the long front draped partially over his face.

And was he wearing eyeliner? I didn’t run into many goths in Shallow Grave, but I kinda liked the look.

He smiled at me. “Sorry.”

“Yeah, likewise.” I made to go around him, but he stopped me.

“I’m Adam, by the way.”

I cocked a brow. “You make a habit of introducing yourself to everyone you run into?”

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