so many other options, the protestors have completely abandoned us.”
“No kidding?” That I had to see. I climbed out of bed and joined Ethan at the window. I could see only a corner of the front yard, but no signs bobbed above the Cadogan House gate.
On the other hand…“There’s a hatred vacuum,” I said, crossing my arms and turning back to him. “If humans aren’t out there protesting vampires because there are so many other things to protest, it leaves a gap for McKetrick to fill. Kowalcyzk’s still in office, and as far as we know, he’ll still have her ear. He’s going to be pissed if folks are lovey-dovey in our direction. And he’ll fire things up again.”
“That does seem possible. Likely, even. He is motivated.”
We were quiet for a moment, probably both considering the likelihood of another enemy raising the stakes around the House.
But when I looked back at him, his gaze was on the silk slip that barely covered me. Magic rose around us, swirling as desire deepened.
Ethan caressed my bare shoulder with a fingertip, and I shivered. I closed my eyes, my body warming as his hand splayed across my bare back.
“Ethan,” I said, the word an invitation, but instead of bringing him closer, it broke the spell.
Frustration poured through me.
“There are plenty of things in the world to be afraid of,” I said. “But you are not one of them. Nothing but fear is holding us back from each other,” I quietly said, then walked toward the shower.
“Where are you going?”
“To take a shower and get dressed.”
“You are sun drunk if you think you’re going anywhere,” Ethan said. “You need to recuperate.”
My hand on the doorjamb, I looked back at him, my gaze as flat as his had become. “I don’t have time to recuperate. Dominic is still out there, and God only knows who he’s going after next. I need to figure out how to stop him.”
Ethan pointed to the bed. “Get back over there.”
“I will not.”
He arched an imperious eyebrow. “It wasn’t a request, Sentinel.”
“Great, since I wasn’t asking for permission.”
“You could have been killed.”
“Unfortunately, that’s true every day of the week. Danger is part of my job, Ethan. The one you assigned me to.”
His lip curled. “I’m trying to remember my reasons for appointing you Sentinel. Was I attempting to teach you a lesson?”
“And who has learned the lesson now, Professor?”
He growled, so I didn’t push him further.
“We can’t argue every time I have to go to work. That’s not going to be productive for the House. Besides, you would have been proud of me out there last night, notwithstanding the fact that I nearly became ash. I managed to move a fallen angel off his target and sweet-talk a cop into giving me back my sword.”
“That is impressive.”
“It is. And we both know I’m going anyway.”
He fumed silently for a moment. “You are as stubborn as they come.”
“We are well matched, Mr. Sullivan.”
Ethan humphed but relented. He turned to the side and held out a regal hand. “Go have a shower and report to the Ops Room.”
“As you please, Liege,” I said, then closed the bathroom door.
Why did all of our interactions have to end with a closing door?
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
I found my leathers in my closet when I emerged from the shower, including the jacket Catcher had picked up during my rescue. The leather was clean and shiny, in perfect condition after a hard night’s work.
I got dressed and checked my phone and found a message waiting from Jonah. Not surprisingly, he was checking in, making sure I’d gotten the rest and blood I needed to recuperate. I messaged him back to let him know that I was still alive, even if I could have used a few more hours’ sleep.
I also thanked Morgan with a message. I didn’t get a reply.
My grandfather was a little more loquacious. “Baby girl! You’re okay? Catcher and Jeff said they got you home safe.”
The relief in his voice brought tears to my eyes. “They did great. Jeff was a hero—and he carried me out just like one.”
He chuckled. “I’d tell him you said that, but you calling him your hero may cause more trouble than it’s worth. I’ll call your father and let him know you’re okay, although I’m sure he’d like to hear it from you.”
I doubted he cared much either way, but I wasn’t going to argue with my grandfather about it. “Thank you, Grandpa. And speaking of trouble, I understand