All Is Bright - K. Sterling Page 0,11

in. Hawk looked sharp in a grey three-piece suit but it was Grim that had jaws hanging. He was wearing all black but he’d paired tight-fitting tuxedo trousers with a leather coat with tails and a tall velvet vest. He’d skipped a tie, the collar of his shirt was undone and flipped, up and his hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail.

“I was not expecting him to clean up that well,” Lane confided to Lavender.

“I did suspect that he might. He’s rather fit and carries himself with more confidence now that he’s not dragging that mangled leg around,” he noted and Lane nodded and they smiled as a footman arrived with a fresh plate of cucumber slices for Aiden.

“Hawk’s been good for him,” Lane said. Lavender hummed as they watched Hawk and Grim, chatting with Alon about their drinks.

“They make a striking couple and I’m pleasantly surprised at how well that’s worked out. I was rather worried about Hawk and didn’t think he’d last very long,” Lavender admitted then grinned conspiratorially as he leaned close. “I do admire the cut of Hawk’s coat. He clearly has a very good tailor despite the fact that I’ve never seen him in pants without cargo pockets and snaps.”

“You should ask him,” Lane suggested as Grim and Hawk made their way across the study to join them. Lavender pulled a face.

“You’ve confused appreciation for interest. I’m never leaving my tailor,” he vowed, as if he was discussing a spouse. Lane snorted and shook his head as he greeted Hawk and Grim.

“Hey. Talk to me about anything other than suits and tailors,” Lane ordered and they shared a confused glance before Hawk nodded at Lane.

“You’re the most normal person in this room,” he started and Lane choked on his drink.

“Paul’s pretty normal and there’s Sage,” Lane argued and waved at the sofa but Hawk shook his head.

“They’re both married to lunatics,” he stated. Lane hissed sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck but Lavender nodded in agreement.

“You have a point. What’s up?” Lane asked.

“What do you make of all of this? You see through his bullshit better than anyone, maybe even Sage, and you know what he really thinks of Blink,” Hawk said as he pointed at Lavender who gasped.

“I have been absolutely transparent about this and have done nothing to earn your distrust,” Lavender said. Hawk nodded and raised a shoulder.

“I’m still on the fence about you,” he replied. Lane laughed at Lavender’s dismay.

“You’re on the fence about me? Casper Grim makes sense to you but you don’t know if you can trust me?” He confirmed and Hawk nodded.

“Casper’s pretty easy to understand, once you look past the scary bits. I haven’t been able to see past the scary with you,” he explained simply. Lane stopped Lavender before he could take offense or say something offensive and gave his shoulder a playful shake.

“Give it time. We didn’t meet under the best circumstances and look at who you work for,” Lane reminded Lavender but he sneered.

“I don’t work for Blink. He vets and advises incoming contracts—for a cut—and I occasionally handle difficult problems for him,” he said loud enough for Blink to hear and turned so they could exchange a loaded look. “For now,” he repeated and Blink held up his drink in agreement then went back to making eyes at Elliot. Paul arrived and headed for the bar and Alon but Reginald wasn’t with him. Lavender noticed as well and leaned away from the conversation as he tried to see into the hall. “I think I’ll take a bit of a stroll,” he murmured and wandered off. Lane widened his eyes at Hawk then made sure no one else was in earshot.

“Lavender believes Blink doesn’t know who’s behind this but he’s not convinced we owe him anything or that it’s worth sticking our necks out,” Lane whispered from behind his scotch then sipped. Hawk hummed softly in agreement.

“Casper’s in because he’s Blink’s attack dog but he doesn’t like your husband and the rest of the civilians getting drawn into this. He thinks Blink included Sharp and hoped the other spouses would come so you’d all feel even more compelled to protect Blackhurst,” he confided and Lane’s brows slid up his forehead.

“Is that so?” He snorted into his glass. “This place is a fortress and Blink has an army guarding him. He must be worried, indeed, if he’s lured Lavender, Toly and Denver here for additional protection.”

“And you, Wilder, Reginald, Paul and