"I always pictured librarians as hopeless romantics, reading raunchy romance novels under their desks when no one is looking. You are the opposite of romantic. Most people who talk about free love and no boundaries usually mean they want to sleep around without consequences. You actually follow through on the philosophy."
Shira took a sip of the fresh drink. "Exactly! Is it so hard to understand? I'm an immortal. Even if I wanted a relationship, I can't have it, and feelings are my kryptonite." She dug out the fruit and put it in her mouth. "I can't do them," she said after swallowing. "I just want good sex with no emotional entanglements. Why is that so complicated?" She gulped the rest of the martini and pushed the glass back to Fenella. "One more."
Fenella lifted a brow. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. This glass is really small, and I'm a sucker for lychee."
From across the bar, Atzil cleared his throat loudly. "It's closing time, people. Finish your drinks and go home."
When several grumbled complaints sounded, he shook his head. "I've got breakfast to cook for Kalugal's men tomorrow, and I need my beauty sleep."
The stragglers complained but began gathering their things. Sunday nights, the bar closed at midnight instead of staying open until two in the morning or even later.
Despite Atzil's announcement, Shira didn't budge from her spot and asked for another drink.
Fenella humored her but cautioned that this would be the last one.
When all the customers except Shira had filed out, Din walked up to the bar. "Take her home. I'll stay to help Atzil with cleanup."
Her roommate looked like she could use the company, and Fenella was grateful for Din's thoughtful consideration.
He was one in a million.
Scrap that—one in a billion.
"I don't want to keep taking advantage of you. It's not fair that you're doing this every night."
"Just on the weekends, and my motives are selfish." He waggled his brows. "The sooner you are done, the sooner I can get you in bed. But if you really want to pay me back, you can help me grade papers."
She laughed. "I don't know anything about archaeology."
"Neither do my students, apparently." His expression was perfectly deadpan. "You'd be amazed at some of the things they come up with. Last semester, one student actually wrote that time-traveling tourists most likely built the pyramids."
Shira snorted into her martini, the sound somewhere between a laugh and a hiccup. "That's actually not the worst theory I've heard."
"See?" Din's eyes crinkled with amusement. "You can help me grade, too."
Shira lifted her glass in a salute. "You've got it, Professor. I know a thing or two about archaeology. Probably enough to grade your students' papers."
Fenella wasn't sure whether Shira was drunk, boasting, or was actually knowledgeable on the subject.
Din leaned in to kiss her cheek, his lips warm against her skin. "Take care of your friend. Do you want to come over to my place later?"
She glanced at Shira, who looked to be in a much better mood now than she had been when she'd entered the bar. "I think I'll stay with Shira and call it a night. It's been a long day."
He looked a little disappointed. "Then I'll see you tomorrow morning for breakfast."
"You've got it." She cupped his cheek. "I'll make you a killer omelet with mushrooms, onions, and feta cheese."
"Sounds yummy," Shira slurred. "Can I get an omelet too?"
"Sure." Fenella took off her apron and stuffed it in her bag to take home to launder. "Come on, lightweight," she said to Shira, who was swaying slightly on her barstool. "Let's get you home before you fall over."
"I'm not drunk," Shira protested, but she let Fenella steady her as she stood. "Just pleasantly buzzed."
"Sure you are." Fenella handed Shira her bag, which she'd forgotten about. "That's why you're listing to starboard."
"Maritime references? Din's rubbing off on you?"
