Page 5 of Twisted Devotion

“Kicking ass?” I offer with a smirk.

Tristan would know. Being on his security team years ago showcased the skills I’d quickly picked up in training for the position to guard the dark fae leader. The dark and light affiliations have been abolished for some time now, but I still see him as a leader. Human or not. He’ll always have my respect and gratitude.

Nikolai on the other hand . . .

He’s growing on me more and more—though this request isn’t helping.

Tristan chuckles. “For lack of a better phrase. You’ve shown incredible growth since becoming fae, and with your dedication to the team who ensured my own safety, there’s no one I’d trust more with this position.”

I wipe the smirk off my lips. “As much as I appreciate the compliment, what makes you think I won’t toss him to the first enemy that comes knocking?”

Nikolai’s lips curl upward, but his tone is level, serious. “Kelsey, we understand this is a big ask. I understand more than anyone how much we’re asking of you.”

I blow out a breath, considering whether or not to tell them about my plan to leave.Would it matter now? Would they ask me to stay?Though, if Ididstay, maybe I could make enough money to move and live for a while without having to find work. After several beats of silence, I ask, “How much are we talking?”

Tristan pipes in. “Whatever number you’re thinking, double it.”

My brows shoot up. “You can’t be serious. Why haven’t you asked any other members of your old guard? Or am I the last option because everyone else told you guys to take a hike when you revealed who the charge would be?”

Tristan frowns. “This is important, Kels.” His eyes are soft, but where I used to see fearlessness, I now see exhaustion. Human life was an adjustment for him, I’m sure, and returning to the fae world as a human even more so. Having a toddler at home probably doesn’t help with the lack of sleep, either.

I chew my bottom lip. “I was planning to leave.”

Tristan’s eyes widen slightly. “You were?”

I struggle to hold his gaze as I nod.

Nikolai says, “Why?” in the same breath that Tristan says, “Were you going to say goodbye?”

My chest squeezes painfully. “I . . . of course. But now—”

“Please, Kelsey,” Nikolai says. “There are very few people we can trust, especially with something so critical. And also because, yeah, the few other guards we asked flat out refused. So, I’ll say it again. Please.”

Maybe it’s because I’m not used to hearing Nikolai say “please” or maybe it’s because the longer I think about it, the more appealing the money sounds. So long as I can put an expiration date on this arrangement, I can complete the job and take off. The additional money would allow me to lengthen the duration of my travel, andthatmore than anything is what nudges me to agree to what I can only assume will be the worst job of my life.

I press my fingers into my scalp and drag my fingers through my fiery curls. “All right,” I say. The beginnings of a migraine are already surfacing, making me want to close my eyes and nap until this whole guarding arrangement is over.

“Thank you, Kelsey,” Tristan says, squeezing my shoulder.

“I’ll give you one month,” I say. “That should be enough time to train someone to take over for me.”

Nikolai frowns. “That’s nowhere near long enough. Five.”

I shake my head. “No way. Not happening.” The thought of living here for another five months sends my heart racing. I need my fresh start a hell of a lot sooner than that.

“I was hoping you’d stay for six,” he grumbles. “I was being courteous.”

Shaking my head, I say, “Sixweeks, sure.”

“Four months,” Nik counters, making me snort.

“Three. Last offer, or I’m walking.”

Tristan sighs heavily. “Nikolai, accept the deal. We’re asking a lot of her, and she deserves to have her own terms.”

I sneak him a quick, whisper of a smile. Tristan has always had my back.

Nik groans. “Fine. We’ll reevaluate the situation at the end of the first month.”

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