Page 59 of Claimed
“It was all T could do to keep level with you.”
Tanner scoffs and crosses his arms. “The pizza last night made me slow today.”
Gage and Ruin snicker. “Sure, T,” Ruin says. “Sure.”
The shifter grumbles, but it seems lighthearted enough. He tosses me a genuine smile. “You did good.”
I envy his peaceful mood. But I keep my grin in place. “Told you.”
Their laughter makes my stomach tighten.
“Well, we know you can get in,” Ruin says to me. “Tonight will still be interesting. Onyx, I think you should make an appearance at the Gala. Show your face. Mingle. Then slip quietly out. We will guarantee you aren’t followed.”
I nod.
“Caine will have his eyes on Helios while—”
“Hmm … Where is he?” I ask, realizing Caine is nowhere around.
Ruin pauses. “Who? Caine?”
I nod, trying not to show anything on my face.
The captain shrugs. “He said something about needing fresh clothes for tonight.” Ruin rolls his eyes. “I swear he shops more than even Raina.”
Gage and Tanner chuckle at that.
“But he looks good. Like all the time,” Tanner says, still smiling. “If I wasn’t so secure in my sexuality, I would be concerned that I notice that.”
“They designed Caine to make people notice him,” Gage murmurs, and my body flames. “He’s Asmodean. Even straight males look.”
Tanner exhales. “So I’m not the only one?”
They shake their heads.
“Honestly, I’m lucky Lilah loves me as much as she does,” Ruin says, his tone surprisingly sober. “I know how close those two are. And after last night …” He trails off. “But I trust her and she knows that.”
“Lilah is your …” I ask.
“Consort.” He tugs up one sleeve, flashing dark tribal like tattoos over his arms.
The knot of self-disgust in my stomach grows. “Ruin, I—”
His black eyes are almost kind. “I know.” My lips clamp shut. “You meant nothing by it.”
And I didn’t.
Every teasing remark was to get Caine to pay attention. Hoping he wants me as much as I want him. But now I know better.
My sigh is heavy. “Are we done here?” I ask. “Did I pass all your tests?”
Ruin watches me for a moment. “Yeah. You’re good, Onyx.”
Nodding, I turn on my heel and start back toward the road.
“Where you going?” he calls after me.
I peer back at them. They have all shifted, their faces shadowed thanks to the lateness of the hour. “Back to my hotel,” I say as carefree as I can. “We got hours until Helios clears out, and I’ve been in this suit for almost two days.”
