Page 86 of Merciless
“I can have two whiskeys in five minutes, that’s barely pre-gaming.”
“Fine, three.”
Reaper kissed my cheek. “I’ll make ‘em last.” He smirked at me before heading to the nearest wet bar.
“Do you want a plate of food?” Jandro eyed one of the nearby buffet tables while Gunner checked out a selection of wines at another bar.
“Sure, not a big one though.” I squeezed his forearm. “Saving room for your barbecue.”
Jandro kissed my opposite cheek. “That’s my girl. We’ll share a plate.”
He went off to get in line, leaving only me and Shadow together.
“Holding up alright, my social butterfly?” I hugged an arm around his waist.
Shadow huffed out a laugh, draping an arm around my shoulders. “I’m fine, lover. How are you?”
“Oh, good. Still reeling a little from having a bonus award sprung on me at the last minute, but otherwise fine.”
He squeezed my shoulder affectionately, turning me into him to kiss my forehead. “You deserve it.”
“I was just doing my job.”
“One that few other people can do as compassionately and effectively as you can.”
Kyrie walked up to us just then, a glowing smile on her pretty face and two champagne flutes held out in offering. “Congratulations you two! How about a toast?”
“You’ve done too much for me already,” I laughed, but accepted the drink along with Shadow.
“Oh, it was nothing.” Kyrie snagged another flute from a passing waiter on a tray. “It just felt wrong to not recognize what you did in the medical field as well as in battle.”
“Thank you,” I said, at a loss for any other words.
“It was my pleasure.” She smiled and lifted her glass. “To peace and prosperity.”
The three of us touched glasses and drank. Shadow and I exchanged a look when Kyrie threw back her entire champagne flute instead of just sipping it.
“I hope I’m not intruding but, um...” She passed her empty flute to a nearby waiter, her face flushing red. “Do you happen to know why the Sons of Odin didn’t attend the ceremony? Is everything alright?”
I resisted the urge to glance at Shadow again. “I don’t know, I’m sorry. We last saw them on a ride two days ago. They seemed fine, but maybe something came up.”
“There’s a chance we’ll see them tonight at our house,” Shadow offered. “You’re welcome to come over too.”
“Oh, no.” Kyrie waved her hand, blushing harder. “I couldn’t, I don’t want to intrude.”
“We’re having a party, you won’t be intruding,” I told her. “It might be a rougher crowd than what you’re used to, but we’ll all be there. Come alone or bring a friend, everyone is welcome.”
“That’s so sweet of you, Mari.” She laughed nervously. “But I dunno.”
“No pressure.” I reached out to touch her arm. “If you’d like to come, we’re happy to have you.”
Kyrie quickly but politely made her exit after that, leaving Shadow and I to sip our champagne and ponder.
“Does she…like the Sons?” Shadow looked at me curiously.
I grinned impishly over my glass. “I dunno, have I been dying to rip your clothes off all day?”
His eyes widened briefly in surprise before the grin took over his handsome face. “Is that so?”
