Page 15 of Vicious Little Vows
“He will likely have to, for a time. But he will not fault me for choosing to stay with you.”
My throat tightened. It was a big promise to make, and we really hadn’t known each other all that long. Just the idea of him making such a big choice in regard to me seemed crazy, but… I still didn’t want him to go.
And so I kissed him, and heat blossomed through me. Neither of us could be sure what tomorrow would bring, but—
Gabriel wouldn’t leave. For now, it was enough.
SEVEN
Crispin lounged on his side across the bed, propping his head up with one elbow. In his other hand, he held the contract, his blue eyes skimming the words. I had already read it. It seemed simple enough, but devils could be tricky, and Sebastian was especially so.
Standing before the bed, I held out my hand, wanting to read the contract one more time.
Crispin handed it to me with an eyebrow raised, his eyes drifting to Ringo as he let out a loud snore on the adjacent pillow. Ringo had the right idea. We were nearing the wee hours of the morning and I still needed to get some sleep. At least I had finally gotten my shower, and was comfy in an oversized teeshirt and shorts.
My eyes blurred a bit as I started reading the contract.
“Will you be keeping your promise to go on that date tomorrow?”
I lowered the contract to look at Crispin. “It wasn’t exactly a promise, but I wasn’t planning on canceling unless something goes wrong with Penelope.” Remembering that he was part of the deal, I added, “Unless you don’t want to go.”
He rubbed the edge of the silk sheets between his fingers absentmindedly. “I have no qualms with going. You seemed to be the one against it.”
I sighed, lowering the contract as I sat on the bed. “It’s a pain, but I know she’s just nervous. Since I’ve never actually seen her care about a guy, I feel compelled to help.”
“You’re a loyal friend to do so with everything you have going on.”
I snorted. “Hey, I’m not the only one who has to go.”
“We will be witnessing a date between an elven noble and your brazen, part-troll, ex boss. I really don’t mind going. I dare say, I’m excited.”
I tossed myself back against the pillows, placing my cheek near Ringo. “It won’t be anything like hanging out at the tavern in Willowvale with a bunch of werewolves.”
There was laughter in his voice as he said, “I am well suited to all sorts of gatherings.” He leaned into view. “As long as you trust me to protect you without Gabriel or Sebastian around.”
I smirked. “Chances are, Gabriel will be loitering in the street nearby.”
“And Sebastian will be on the other side, trying to get a rise out of him,” Crispin added.
I swiped a palm across my face, leaving it to cover my eyes as I shook my head. “I am not cut out for all this drama.”
“You handle it admirably. Just as you handled swimming out of that cavern. You’re good under pressure.”
I slid my hand far enough to crack one eye open at him. “I nearly had a panic attack and died.”
He lifted a finger. “Ah, but youdidn’thave a panic attack, nor did you die.” He looked down at me. “I’ll let you get some rest. I think the contract is fine.”
“Thank you,” I said as he climbed out of bed. I sat up before he could reach the door. “And thank you for getting me out of that cavern.”
He bowed his head. “Thank you for trusting me to do so.”
As he left the room, a funny sort of feeling came over me. I had trusted Crispin with my life yet again, and hadn’t thought twice about it.
Braxton was right. I really was going soft.
I hadn’t fully fallenasleep when the bed shifted, but I hadn’t heard the door open either. I tensed, my thoughts racing so quickly I couldn’t settle on a single one. Had someone found me here? The watchers at the Bogs?
Then I smelled Sebastian’s scent—funny that I could recognize it so easily now—and I relaxed.
