Skyler pulled back to look up at him. "He booted me out of him."
He blinked. The tension eased out of him a slow inch at a time. "He did?"
"Yes. And don't sound so happy."
"Thank God that man can boss you, because no one else seems to be able to."
"I don't need bossing," she pointed out. "Josef, I really am sorry. I'll be far more careful next time. We know what we're facing now."
Josef took a deep breath and nodded. "I caught glimpses in your mind, Skyler. You're one tough chick."
Skyler flinched. "I wouldn't call me a tough chick in front of my parents or someone say . . . like the prince. They wouldn't appreciate the modern jargon."
For the first time Josef smiled. It was more of a self-satisfied smirk, but she'd take it. At least he was finding his sense of humor again.
"They need to lighten up and become a little more modern, especially Gregori. He's still living in the caveman days."
"We don't have to be around him much," Skyler pointed out. "Think of poor Paul, living with the De La Cruz family—especially the eldest brother. I've never met him but I've heard the rumors."
Josef gave a little shudder. "I'm totally avoiding Paul's family. It's the only safe, intelligent thing to do. When this is over, I'm making myself scarce for a century or two."
A knock on the door heralded Paul's arrival. Josef waved his hand and the door opened. Outside, Skyler could see night falling fast. The weather was overcast, clouds drifting across the sky, but there was no rain.
Paul set her soup on the small table. "Come eat, Sky. I wolfed down a sandwich while I was waiting for your order."
That was code for telling her he ate a meat sandwich and didn't want her to smell it and feel nauseated. "Thanks, Paul. I appreciate it." She looked at the bowl of soup and shook her head, her stomach already rebelling.
"It's not the enemy," Josef told her. "It's sustenance—the very thing you need to build your strength again so you can heal Dimitri."