Page 26 of Twisted Gift

“Absolutely.”

I key their names into my phone along with a contact number.

“Thank you,” she says and turns to leave. “Thank you so much,” she repeats before walking away.

Once everyone but Nikolai has left, I slide onto one of the barstools. I reach over the bar and grab the first bottle my fingers touch, pouring a glass of—vodka, apparently. Nikolai perches on the stool next to me and says, “That could’ve gone worse. All things considered, I think it went pretty well.”

I take a long drink, cringing as it burns all the way down my throat. Getting the light fae to trust me is a challenge. All I can do at this point is hope for the best and pray Tristan had better luck with the dark fae.

Giving Nikolai the lowdown about the light fae’s brother feels good, productive. I promised that girl some answers, and I intend to get them. He says he doesn’t know anything about it, but he’ll find out what happened.

After the meeting, I had every intention of getting some work done in the office. Nikolai has been taking care of everything for the most part, but I’m still trying to learn as much as possible. Owning and running the pub isn’t a long-term thing, but it’s what I’m doing for now, so I need to knowhowto do it well. But instead of sitting my ass down in the office, I opt for calling it a night. There’s only so much I can do in a day without losing my chill. Staring at stacks of papers right now would make me want to rip my hair out, so I shut off the lights and head home.

Once I get to the apartment, I change into sweats and slide under the covers. Allison was snoring from her bed when I came in, so I don’t bother stopping by her room to let her know how the meeting went.

Tossing and turning for over twenty minutes, I struggle to get comfortable, to shut my brain off so I can relax enough to sleep. Tonight’s events run through my mind.Did I say the right things? Will enough of the fae believe in me? What else could I have said to make them more confident in my ability to lead them?The questions are endless, and there’s no way to know the answers, at least not yet.

The chime of my phone on the table beside my bed makes me stir. I was close to falling asleep—so much so, the shrill sound made my pulse spike. Sighing softly, I reach over and read the message. Of course, it’s Nikolai.

I’m coming over. No need to let me in.

Not a minute later, there’s a light knock—at mybedroomdoor. The asshole shifted into the apartment.

Biting back a snarky remark, I say, “What do you want, Nikolai?”

The door opens slowly. “Is everyone decent?” he asks, walking in with a little grin. “Oh. That’s too bad.” He frowns, then shrugs as he nears the bed.

I hold back and eye roll and prop my head on my hand. “What are you doing here at,” I glance at the time on my phone, “two in the freaking morning.” I groan. “Seriously, Nik?”

He stops at the side of my bed. “Move over.”

I lift a brow at him.Have we reached that level of...closenessin our friendship?

He rolls his eyes. “Relax, gorgeous. I’m not going to steal your precious virtue or whatever. Just shift.”

I flip him off but refrain from letting him know my virtue is long gone as I shimmy back, switching pillows. The bed dips a little when he gets on, staying on top of the comforter. As much as I wasn’t expecting company, his presence offers some comfort. It’s familiar—new—but something that makes closing my eyes feel safer.

I roll over and meet his soft gaze. “I’m glad you’re here,” I murmur.

“You should be.” He winks. “I had to cancel an epic threesome to hang out with your sorry ass.” He flicks a piece of hair out of his face and rests his hands behind his head, stealing half of my pillow.

“Right,” I remark dryly, my lips twitching.

“Yeah, I’m kidding, but it made you smile.”

“You know, you’re the last person I ever thought I’d be friends with, considering how we met.”

He shoots me a dry look. “Yeah, remind me again how you met Tristan?”

I roll my eyes in lieu of offering a real answer. He’s got a point.

He lets loose a heavy breath. “So, I had a date tonight. After the meeting, after you went to bed like a grandmother instead of hanging out with me.”

I fight back a yawn. “Is this a conversation we need to haverightnow?”

He pouts. “I’m upset here. I’m always around to listen to your crap.”

“That’s because you’re involved with most of my crap,” I point out.

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