“Since there are actual people in this castle who might walk by at any moment and see the almighty Thorne Noctus waltzing in the halls like a lovesick fool.”
Despite her words, she stepped closer, letting me draw her into my arms. “Let them see.”
“Careful. Your reputation for being an insufferable asshole is at stake.”
“Worth it.”
She rested her head against my chest, and for a heartbeat, everything felt right. Then she pulled back, looking up at me with that familiar mischief in her eyes. The dance stopped. She reached for my tie, and every rational thought fled my mind. “For someone who cares so much about the past, you dress remarkably well in the present.”
“I care less and less about the past every second.” My hand caught her wrist gently, though whether to stop her or to anchor myself, I wasn’t sure. “What are you doing?”
“Making you look less perfect. It’s unsettling.” She adjusted my tie until it hung crooked, and I clenched my jaw, fighting a smile. “There. Much better.”
“Are you quite finished?” I asked, but made no move to stop her as she reached for my jacket button. I’d let her dismantle me piece by piece if she wanted to. Hell, I’d probably thank her for it.
“Not even close.” She undid the button, misaligning my lapels with deliberate care.
“Some of us prefer not to look like we just rolled out of bed.”
“And some of us know the difference between necessity and vanity.”
“You’re impossible,” I said softly, letting more warmth slip into my voice than I intended.
A voice shattered our peace. “Boss?”
“Not now, Tuck,” I said, ignoring the urgent tone in his voice as Paesha and I circled a place of familiarity. I’d needed this moment with her like I needed air.
Heavy boots echoed in the hallway as he stepped into our sacred place. “Yes, now. Paesha, good to see you.”
“Liar. Good to see you too,” she answered. “I’ve got to go anyway. I promised Archer I’d come say hello to Aldus and give him an escape route if he needed it.”
We all turned to face the windows, watching as Archer sat on a bench across from his father’s chair. His face gave nothing away.
“It’s important they find peace,” Tuck said, his gruff voice softening.
“It’s also important that you don’t push him,” Paesha bit back. “He’s here, isn’t he? That’s what you wanted.” She turned to me. “I should go.”
“Of course,” I said smoothly, even as a part of me wanted to pull her back, to steal a few more moments. “Far be it from me to keep you from your Archer.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Jealousy is an ugly color on you, Thorne Noctus.”
“Everything looks good on me, darling. I thought we just established that.”
Tuck cleared his throat pointedly. “If you two are quite finished…”
Paesha smirked, stepping away from me with deliberate slowness. “Duty calls anyway. Try not to pine too hard in my absence.”
“I’ll do my best to carry on.” I sketched a mocking bow. “Do give Archer my regards.”
She rolled her eyes, but I caught the hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth as she turned to leave. The Remnants swirled around her like a living cloak. I watched her go, drinking in every detail—the sway of her hips, the tumble of her chestnut hair, the markings that danced across her skin like living art. Even burdened by madness and wrapped in darkness, she was a vision, a goddess in mortal form.
Tuck waited until her footsteps had faded before rounding on me. “She’ll push you away if you get between her and Archer. That’s how that bond works.”
“And what of our bond?”
He crossed his arms over his chest and took a step back. “She’s still here, isn’t she? I didn’t miss you flirting in the hallways like a besotted fool.”
“That’s why you interrupted?”
