Page 116 of All Your Bloody Lies

“No need to apologize.” He’s behind me, his hand gentle against my waist. “The official story, the one that is told publicly, is that he killed himself.” I shoot my head up, surprise etched on my face. “It had to be public. His marriage to Desiray was a hot ticket item, so with the wedding being called off, they had to explain why.”

As we go to sit, he waits to see where I do first, then takes the seat next to me. His arm drapes across the back of the couch. “Kor De Linos is furious. The unofficial story is that there is someone slowly picking off Ansford. Apparently, Mathas was very close to Desiray, some would say… too close. It was why he transferred to Achille—allegedly.

“With no answers, everyone is up in arms. Of course Hause Sidence is calling for answers only because Ansford is up their ass. I know you don’t want to hear this, but I’m going to ask anyway…” I already know what he is going to say, and I sigh. “Please, lay low for some time. We can stay here, or we can go somewhere else. I have a house in Aurelia Peaks—“

“Of course you do.” I roll my eyes and cross one leg over the other. Watching him from the corner of my eye, I can see that he is agitated.

“I’m serious, Xera, for fuck’s sake, just once can you agree without a fuss?”

I shift to face him, my arms crossed under my chest.

A moment of silence settles between us, and it’s insane how well I can read him now that my Amoro is interlocked with him. He is waiting for me to disobey. Contemplating if Sydni would go running when he bends me over on this couch and spanks me before ravaging my pussy, or would she try to stop him.

It doesn’t matter because I just smile and give him what he wants. “Okay.”

I think he is slightly disappointed I’m not going to argue even a little. His arm slips from the couch onto my shoulder and with force pulls me to him. “Good little demon.”

Sydni squeals, and I can hear the buzz of her phone going off, dragging her attention away from us.

His crimson eyes stare down into mine with such intensity, I am prepared for him to just take me at any second. “Thank you,” He offers and holds no hesitation to kiss me without restraint.

I know it’s not smart to go right back out there and look for Lars. He likely knows that is what’s coming. If I give it time, allow it to look like I’ve run because I’m scared, maybe I can get the drop on him.

Could that be the end to all of this? His head in my hands?

I’m not sure why, but I don’t think so. Something is telling me that Lars isn’t the end of that journey, as much as I want it to be.

42

Kairhyse

I’m surprised I’ve managed to endure having him around for this long. I acknowledge that they are friends, but having another male present has been difficult. He’s pleasant, perhaps too much so, and while I can see that Xeraphine has no interest beyond friendship—although she may not classify it as such—his presence overnight is not something I particularly enjoy.

“Thanks, Ty.” She sounds exhausted, but I think living with three other people when she’s only ever had herself can do that. At least, that’s my assumption. I’d love to blame it on our devastating nights, but she has as much stamina as I do, so that’s likely not it.

“Anytime, glad you are feeling better and things seem to be cooling down.”

I wouldn’t be so sure. It’s only been a week, and Achille is hot on my ass for answers. Losing my position sounds sweeter and sweeter every day. I could easily make as much as I am freelancing, and I’ve got good enough connections to make it happen.

“Keep in touch,” Tyson says as he gives Sydni a big hug and looks at Xeraphine. She doesn’t motion to give one as he releases herprincess. “Text me—” His eyes slide to me, “As long as that’s all good with you.”

My little demon groans so loud, “He doesn’t dictate my life, Ty—but I don’t text you anyway so, not sure that will change.”

He laughs, and I cock a brow. My arms are crossed over my chest, and I know I intimidate him. I promised Xeraphine I wouldn’t cut his hands off and send them to his family. I’ll never break anything other than her back and cunt, so he’s safe: for now.

“See ya around.” He gives Sydni a gentle tap on her nose and leaves.

It’s after dinner, and I know Sydni is jumping at the bits to get us doing something together. “We should watch a movie!” she caws right on cue. “Rhysie-poo, can you please put a television above the fireplace?”

“No,” I’m not surprised when Xeraphine adamantly protests. “Please, nothing is to disturb that fireplace: Ever.”

“It’ll still work…”

“Don’t care. Want to watch a movie? There is a TV in your room.”

“But we all can’t cuddle…” She’s slowly inching toward Xeraphine. “Please…”

I can tell by the twitch in her nose that my girl does not want that. It’s so funny to watch two polar opposites interact.