Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood #8)(17)

As John wondered why in the hell Rehv would tie the hands of the

two warriors, iAm said, "He figures we'll get ourselves killed."

"And because of our . . ." Trez paused, as if looking for the right word. ". . . 'relationship' with him, we're locked in."

"He might as well have chained us to the cocksucking wall."

Trez shrugged. "Which was why we agreed to meet with you. The

moment you texted, we knew--"

"--here was the opening we--"

"--were looking for."

As the Shadows completed each other's sentences, John took a deep

breath. At least they understood where he was coming from.

"We totally do." Trez put his knuckles out and, as John gave them a pound, the guy nodded. "And let's just keep this little backroom convo to ourselves."

John leaned over the pad. Wait, I thought you said you were going to tell Rehv I was here?

Trez read over the handwriting and laughed again. "Oh, we're going to tell him you came to visit and have a meal."

iAm smiled darkly. "But he doesn't need to know the rest of it."

After Trez and John went into the back, Blay finished off his Coke

and tracked Qhuinn with his peripheral vision. The guy was pacing around the bar area like he'd had his wings clipped and didn't appreciate the trim.

He just couldn't stand getting shut out of shit. Whether it was a dinner or a meeting or a fight, he preferred an all-access pass to life.

His kinetic silence was worse than cursing, frankly.

Blay got up and went behind the bar with his empty glass. As he

refilled his Coke and watched the frothing dark rush hit the ice, he wondered why he was so attracted to the guy. He was a please-and-thank-you kind of male. Qhuinn was more of a f*ck-off-and-die type.

Guess opposites attracted. At least on his side--

53

J. R.Ward

iAm came back in and had with him what could only be described as a

male of worth: The guy was dressed impeccably, from the cut of his dark gray overcoat to the shine on his wingtips, and instead of a tie, he was wearing a cravat. Thick blond hair was cut short in the back and left long in the front and his eyes were the color of pearls.

"Jesus f*cking Christ, what the hell are you doing here?" Qhuinn's voice boomed out as iAm disappeared into the back. "You slick bastard."

Blay's first response was to tighten up all over. Last thing he needed was another ride on the spectator merry-go-round, assuming Qhuinn was attracted to the guy.

Except then he frowned. Could it be . . . ?

The male who'd just arrived laughed as he embraced Qhuinn. "You

have such a way with words, cousin. I would say . . . trucker meets sailor crossed with a twelve-year-old."

Saxton. It was Saxton, son of Tyhm. Blay could remember meeting

him once or twice before.

Qhuinn pulled back. " Fuck is actually a comma. Or didn't they teach that shit to you at Harvard?"

"They were more concerned with contract law. Property. Torts--which covers actionable wrongs against others, by the way. I'm surprised you weren't on the final exam."

Qhuinn's fangs flashed bright and white as he truly smiled. "That's human law. They can't handle me."

"Who can."

"So what are you doing here?"

"Property transactions for the Shadow brothers. Lest you think I just learned all that human jurisprudence for my health." Saxton's eyes shifted over and met Blay's. Instantly, the guy's expression changed to something serious and speculative. "Well, hello."

Saxton turned his back on Qhuinn and came over with a focus that

made Blay check behind himself.

"Blaylock, is it not?" The male extended his elegant arm across the bar. "I haven't seen you in years."

Blay had always felt a little tongue-tied in Saxton's presence because the "slick bastard" always had a comeback. And a vibe like he not only knew the right answers to everything but might not choose to let you in on the secrets if you weren't up to his standards.

"How do you do?" Blay said as their palms met.

Saxton smelled really good and had a handshake that was firm.

"You've grown up a lot."

54

J. R.Ward

Blay found himself flushing as he took his hand back. "You're just the same."

"Am I?" Those pearl eyes flashed. "Is that good or bad?"

"Oh . . . good. I didn't mean--"

"So tell me how you've been. Are you mated to some nice female your parents set you up with?"

Blay's laugh was sharp and hard. "God, no. There's no one for me."

Qhuinn inserted himself in the conversation, all but putting his body between them. "So, how you been, Sax?"

"Rather well." Saxton didn't even glance over at Qhuinn as he answered, his attention staying on Blay. "Although my parents want me out of Caldwell. I am not inclined to leave, however."

Needing somewhere else to look, Blay got busy drinking his soda and

counting the ice cubes that floated in it.

"And what are you doing here?" Saxton asked.

There was a long pause and eventually, Blay swung his eyes back up