Page 266 of Warlords, Witches & Wolves

“You’ve had a glimpse. I don’t even know the full extent, and I don’t want any part of it, haven’t for a while. But…” he shrugged. “I didn’t have an out. Certainly don’t now.” Bailey looked so forlorn, all Kass wanted to do was hold him.

“I know it seems like a long time—”

Bailey glared at him. “I don’t need a pep talk.”

“What do you need?”

“It doesn’t matter. I don’t even know…” His fingers tapped on the table. “I mean you have a life and a job, and I have criminals who threaten me if I fall out of line.”

Kass glanced around the room and kept his voice low. “You have me. If you want.”

His heartbeat echoed in his ears, and he watched Bailey’s face for a clue. He needed him to say something. Anything. Yes, this was only the second time they’d met face to face, but Fates must have put them together for a reason.

He wanted this to work. He’d become dependent on the connection while he was away, and he wasn’t going to leave Bailey stranded.

Bailey lifted his gaze. “Why are you offering?”

“Because we have something?”

“Do we or is it just…” he lifted his eyebrows.

It was magic and more. Or could be. Kass wasn’t even sure what he wanted it to be. Or what it could be. “You helped me while I was away. I won’t turn my back just because you’re in here.”

“I don’t expect you to visit.”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Um, because you can find someone less fucked up?”

Kass considered him. “I don’t think that’s what you want.”

Bailey shrugged and leaned back. “What I want doesn’t matter anymore. I have to get through this before I can figure out how to put my life together. I can’t ask you to help with that.”

“You didn’t ask.” But Bailey was sliding through his fingers. He pressed against the seat like he wanted to vanish. But it wasn’t that Bailey didn’t like him. Kass finally understood what that turbulent bitterness in the bond was—shame. He hadn’t wanted Kass to see him like this. “This isn’t ideal, but it won’t be for long.”

“It just feels that way.”

He couldn’t argue with that. “What are you doing about your cat?”

A flicker of a smile crossed Bailey’s lips and his eyes lit up. “Not much. It’s tolerable, but I want to run.”

Kass got the impression of being smothered under blankets. Oh…that was dangerous and unsatisfying. Was that when Bailey’s restlessness had woken him, and they’d gotten together? “I could go for a night run. Does every second Friday work for you?”

Bailey narrowed his eyes, already thinking. “How would that work?”

“Maybe you’d feel free through the connection. Worth a shot?”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Because I’m not an asshole.” He raked his fingers through his short hair. “We have to work together.”

“Or do you secretly want to drain me?” The corner of his lips turned up.

And Kass wasn’t sure if Bailey was talking about sex or magic because the former was no secret. The latter was a banned practice. He licked his lip as he considered how best to reply. Bailey’s gaze tracked the movement. If they weren’t in a room full of people…

“Not a secret, and I can do it tonight.” Though giving a blow job wasn’t the same via the bond.

“I’d like that.” Bailey grinned and rested his elbows on the table.

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