Page 55 of Quiet Burn

Unfortunately for me, that’s not the end. Oriel, Salem, and Slash are wearing jogging pants that should be illegal to sport in public andno fucking shirtsas they work on getting the food out. The amount of piercings, tattoos, muscles and sheer size filling that area is overwhelming and combined with everything else, I have no idea where to put my gaze. Dottie is no help, either, because she’s been scampering around to get fruit treats from her faves,and giving me what I’m starting to think is a smirk when they fawn over her.

My kinkajou is taunting me, and I can’t do a damn thing about it.

“Breathe, Kit,” I murmur softly as my reaction to the demons surrounding me ramps my pulse. Putting a hand on my chest, I close my eyes and try to calm the random physical reactions fluttering through me like a swarm of butterflies. If I’m honest, it’s not just that I haven’t felt like this since the incident—no, I’ve never felt exactly like this. I’ve never felt a magnetic pull to simply devour anyone with my eyes because my insides were starving for the sight of them.

“Hey, KK, you want a soda? I swiped some from the old battle axe’s stash during my Lab yesterday.”

My head jerks up and I grin widely at Salem, excitement flooding my veins. “You are my favorite, buddy. I didn’t realize how much I was jonesing for a Coke until you said that.”

“Not satisfied with the fun drinks here, mmm?” Oriel says as he tilts his head. His expression is thoughtful, like he’s digging for info, but it doesn’t bother me. The crow shifter gathers information just as voraciously as he does shiny things, so I know he’s not looking for something to hold against me.

“Hmm. No, I love the stuff here. But something from up there is kind of comforting when tonight had a lot of… new things, you know?”

Jasper chuckles, drawing my attention back to him and Zavida. “Meeting with the ruler of Hell and not-so-subtly inferring he can get fucked is certainly new for all of us.”

“At least, in such a blatant fashion.” Slash gives me one of his toothy grins from his spot next to Salem.

“He practically called me a whore, Jasper,” I shoot back. “While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sex workers, I knewhemeant it as an insult. If I’d let it go, there would be just as many problems with looking weak as there are seeming impudent.”

Salem points his spatula at me, nodding. “That’s true. Looking weak might have been worse, I think. Now the General and the King don’t assume Kit Kat is the way to take us out.”

Blushing again, I curse under my breath. The way my body refuses to ignore their compliments is infuriating and I hate it. “I can’t let everyone think I’m the best way to target you all. It might be accurate, but I’d rather people wonder than prove they’re right. Plus, I fucking despise bullies.”

“Hear that, Prince Prickface?” Oriel calls with a snort. “Hehatesbullies, so stop being such an ass.”

“As if I care what the shrimp likes or dislikes,” Jasper says, smirking as he throws a dirty look at the crow. “He liked the kiss just fine, and only Annie and I have that distinct honor.”

Oh. My. God.

“I…”

Before I can even find the words, they’re all laughing and I’m wishing the floor would open up and swallow me whole. The guys in the kitchen stomp over with trays, and when I am able to unburrow myself enough to smell the tasty dinner, all seven sets of eyes are on me. Salem arches a brow as he hands me my soda, and Oriel matches him when he gives me the plate. I haveno fucking clue what to say to either of them, so I stuff my mouth with a bite of the savory meat as fast as I can.

“He’s embarrassed, you guys,” Anton says softly. “Remember, both times the action was used to distract people around us. It’s not like he had a choice.”

Oh, right. Yes, good point. Whew.

“That’s true,” I squeak, then frown at myself in irritation. I don’t know why I’m having such a hard time, but this is fucking stupid. Clearing my throat, I try again. “Anton is right. I didn’t have an option, but… um. Neither of them made me upset like… in my past. I want to make sure you know that.”

X gives me a knowing look and it makes the hairs on the back of my neck rise.

That cobra shifter knows something and it’s making me jumpy as hell.

Faith

Anton

Kit burrowed into himself for the rest of the night, all of Sunday, and we all seemed to accept that he needed some time—even Jasper. My lover, however, spent that time alternating between working on their projects and eyeing the kid like he was going to disappear. I pressed him on it, but X was tight-lipped, other than to say they worried that immersion therapy would have adverse effects we might miss if we weren’t careful.

I’m not sure exactly what they mean by that, but sometimes, X is too mysterious for their own good.

When I enter theTricliniumfor lunch, I find Jasper, Oriel, and Zavida sitting with Kit at our table. No one makes a comment as I pass, though I assume they didn’t give our smallest members the same grace. Dottie is hunched over a bowl of something while Kit stares at his tablet quietly, still not interacting with people despite the conversation going on around him.

“Good afternoon, my brothers,” I say loudly, plopping down next to Kit. “You look cheerful.”

He looks up, his eyes unsure as our gaze meets. “It’s Monday, Annie.”

“Yes, and despite that tragedy, we soldier on.”

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