You would owe me for the rest of your life, thats true.
A look passed over his face that I couldnt read. He looked down at me with so much emotion in his eyes that it was uncomfortable to see. I fought to look into those eyes.
Youd really do this for me? Something this stupid and this sitcom? Youd really do it?
I finally had to look away from the intensity of his eyes. Yes, Jason, Id really do it.
You realize well have to fly.
Shit, I said, you will like owe me extra for getting me on a plane.
But youll still do it, even though youre terrified of flying?
I crossed my arms underneath my breasts and sulked, but said, I said Id do it, didnt I? How long is the flight?
He bounced down beside me, and the look of joy on his face made it all seem far less stupid. I know you dont love me the way you love Nathaniel or anyone else. But you really do care for me, dont you?
I looked into that face. A face that had been my friend for years and more than just a friend for about a year. I said the only thing I could say: Yes.
Chapter Six
WE CALLED J EAN -C LAUDE while it was still night, so we could tell him what his pomme de sang, Jason, and his human servant, me, had planned. I thoughTHE might tell me it was a stupid thing to do, and tell us no. He was Jasons boss and master, and technically he was my master. Though honestly, I didnt let him pull the master card on me very often.
Jason told him, then handed the bedside phone to me. He wants to talk to you.
Jason got up and padded toward the bathroom. Nathaniel stayed where he was beside me. Hey, Jean-Claude.
Ma petite, I am surprised that you would agree to this.
Me, too.
He laughed, that wonderful, touchable laugh. It made me shiver and not from fear. Nathaniel cuddled closer to me, as if hed gotten a taste of it.
Thank you for taking care of Jason in a way that I could not.
So youre not going to talk us out of it?
Do you wish me to?
I realized that yes, I did. Now that Id said yes, I was feeling awkward about it, and even more foolish. Its going to be sort of awkward.
It will be difficult for you. You will be his only emotional support in a very traumatic situation.
You sound like therapy-speak, Jean-Claude.
What would you have me say?
What youre actually thinking?
He gave that laugh again, and my shields dropped enough so that I knew he was sitting in his bed wearing nothing but the silk sheets. I got a glimpse of that curling black hair over the perfect white of shoulders. I closed the shields down before I could literally see the midnight blue of his eyes.
I took a deep breath in, and let it out slow and counted as I did it. If I wasnt careful the tie between him and me could distract me, a lot.
What are you thinking about, ma petite?
You, and trying not to. Where is Asher?
He is running late, buTHE will be here.