Page 107 of Demon's Heart
Harper dipped his head. “Thanks for offering us a place for the night.”
Rowan stepped—glided?—out from behind the desk. “Don’t mention it. Any offer of help from Nico is an offer from me.”
Well, that sounded ominous. They were sure about trusting Nico, right?
“Would you like a drink?” Rowan gestured to a small bar set out in the corner. “Bourbon? Tea? Water?”
“I wouldn’t turn down a water.” Harper chuckled for no reason. Maybe he was more nervous than he seemed.
“Come sit.” Rowan pointed to two leather sofas separated by a glass coffee table.
Everything from the walls of books to the immaculate furniture looked expensive. Ollie imagined the kind of fancy lawyer he’d never be able to afford might have an office like this.
Nico collapsed onto the cushions like he’d finally come home after a long day.
Ollie sat on the opposite sofa, perching so close to Harper they were almost touching.
“A water for you too?” Rowan asked, piercing eyes drilling into Ollie as he handed Harper his drink and Nico a glass that seemed to be filled with bourbon.
“Yes, thank you.” Ollie rubbed sweaty palms on his jeans.
Rowan turned away. “New to the magic world?”
Ollie cleared his throat. “Yeah.” Fuck, it must be obvious.
“Well, you know the right people. You’re both welcome at my club any time. The casino too.” Rowan returned with Ollie’s water and a bourbon for himself. “The stage areas are open to the public, so no mentioning magic down there, but the third floor and above are magic community and aware humans only.” He focused on Harper. “Spells are forbidden on the premises.”
“Understood.” Harper shifted in his seat. “I’ve never been to a casino. Or a strip club.”
Rowen’s eyes flashed and his fangs lengthened enough to draw attention. “How fun.”
Nico side-eyed the vampire. “Are you finished?”
Rowan pouted, expression turning alarmingly innocent as his fangs retracted. “Yes, fine.” He threw back his drink and his aura shifted, some of the tension leaving the room. “I’m not so scary. You two can relax.”
Ollie didn’t believe him.
“We can’t all be as approachable as Nico,” the vampirecontinued. “Too much of a friendly reputation, and you can’t intimidate your enemies.”
Nico raised his glass to his lips. “You do need both sides of the coin.”
“We really appreciate you looking out for us tonight,” Harper said, and Ollie nodded his agreement, even if he wasn’t completely comfortable.
“It’s what we do.” Rowan shrugged like it was nothing. “I don’t advertise it, so I’d appreciate it if you kept this favor between us.” He waited for Ollie and Harper to nod. “I have some work to do, so I’ll leave you in Nico’s hands, but I’ll be in the building if you need me. Feel free to call on my coven. Many of them are lurking around.”
How would they know who was in Rowan’s coven? Maybe Nico knew them all. Ollie didn’t ask, and Rowan exited the room.
He relaxed a fraction.
At least Rowan would be busy elsewhere. It was one less thing to be unsure of. Ollie needed to project confidence and good vibes for Dante.
There was a lot of confusion and surprise coming down the bond. “How do you think they’re doing?” Ollie asked Harper in a low voice even though Rowan had closed the door behind him.
“Okay. Doesn’t seem like anything major has happened. Maybe it’s not what they expected?” Harper’s brow scrunched like he was concentrating hard.
“Yeah, but that makes sense after they’ve been gone so long.”
Nico set his bourbon down. “Are you communicating with Ash and Dante?”
