Page 65 of Fairies Never Fall

“Don’t push it.”

He whips out his phone. “I already have three stores bookmarked. I’m buying you something nice and you’re going to like it.”

I slump onto the counter. Seriously, I shouldn’t need Fitzie to buy me things or clean up after me. I fuss over him, but he’s just as bad.

“Is that your phone?” Fitzie asks.

The buzz of an incoming message goes off somewhere on the counter and I fumble for my phone among the piles of papers and junk. It’s a text from Orion, which isn’t weird, but the preview makes my heart drop.

Syril and His Highness are arguing.

I text back right away.About what?

Orion replies a second later.Something about H.H’s sister. I couldn’t hear it, but there’s shadow leaking out of the office. You ever seen a shadow dryad get pissed?

My immediate instinct is to rush over. Just like Fitzie said, mother hen.Should I come?

The three dots bounce.Might be a good idea. But this is monster business. Dunno if you want to get involved.

The hell I don’t.I shoot Fitzie a guilty look. “I have to go in early.”

“Get out of here! I can take care of myself.” Fitzie shoos me.

“Don’t overdo it,” I order. “I can wash my own dishes, in spite of what it looks like.”

“Doubtful. I don’t want to risk my life every time I want a bowl of cereal, asshole.” He picks up a dry Cheerio off the counter and throws it at me. It bounces off my chest.

“Ugh. Message received.” I empty my mug and put it in the sink. “I’ll be back tonight. If your hip is bothering you, take the bed tonight. I’m serious. I can sleep on the couch.”

“Yes, mom.”

I drag him into another hug. “I’m glad you’re here, Fitzie. I really am.”

“Okay, okay. Get off me.” He pushes at me ineffectively until I finally let go.

I grab my amulet from the bedroom and get dressed. There’ll be time to figure out how to introduce Fitzie to the idea that I’m seeing someone — as maybe possibly slightly more than friends — later. Ideally, I’ll ease him into it. Lysander isn’t like Jasper at all, so I just need to drop a few hints. Highlight his best qualities. Then let them meet somewhere neutral, like a movie night at The Sanctum.

Right now, though, Lysander needs me.

The lights are on in the front of the club when I get there, and Orion and Lilian are pushing tables around to prep for a show. Orion waves me over.

“He’s in the back room. He’s all worked up — never seen him so upset.”

“I’m going.” I brush past him, but Orion hurries after me.

“I’ll come.”

I kind of want to see Lysander alone, but I don’t push it. I still don’t know much about his past. Orion does.

Lysander is pacing the staff room when I open the door. His back is to me, his wings pointed stiffly out behind him, and his fists are clenched at his side. I go straight to him. He’s so distracted he runs right into my chest.

“Oh!” He flails.

“Easy. It’s just me.” I steady him.

He practically collapses into my arms. “Ezra! How —?”

“Orion texted me. He said you and Syril were arguing.” I squeeze his shoulders. “Is everything okay?”

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