Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3)(30)

Simone slowly nodded. “When is Tori’s hearing?”

“Hearing?” Nick strode toward the table.

Simone nodded. “She gets a chance to speak.”

“Oh great.” Sarcasm burned his tongue. The entire situation was getting out of control, and the last thing he could afford was emotion. Especially since his was way off. “I know you wouldn’t harm her. What about the other council members?”

Moira sighed. “Hopefully they’re thinking clearly and not running scared because of the planekite attacks. We have to figure out a way to keep Tori safe. Perhaps a simple contract will work in which she promises not to reveal any secrets.” Doubt wrinkled her smooth forehead. “It would be better if she had something to use to blackmail the Nine, but I don’t have anything up my sleeve.”

“Me, either,” Simone murmured. “We’ll just have to testify as to her trustworthiness.”

“You’re on the Council,” Moira said.

“I know, but I can still testify.”

Moira nodded and then sat back, her shoulders relaxing. “All right. Tori’s hearing has been scheduled for after your trial.”

Simone leaned back, her gaze darkening. “I don’t like that.”

“Me, either, but she’s been sequestered, and I had a hell of a time finding her. She’s gotta be scared. I sent you the address for her current location on your cell phone. I know she’ll at least be there through the night, so you can drop by and see her tomorrow morning before attending the Coven Nine hearing that was just set.” Moira took another sip of Simone’s juice. “The Nine has scheduled the hearing to question Nick.”

Nick reared up. “Why?”

Moira shrugged. “You were captured in Seattle speeding away from the Guard with a fugitive, Simone, on the back of your bike. They’re not arresting you, but they do want to question you, and diplomatically, you should agree to be questioned.”

Simone nodded. “I agree. We can explain what happened well enough that you’ll be cleared and the demon nation won’t fall into disfavor.”

“Well, hell. We wouldn’t want that,” Nick drawled, irritation clawing through him.

Moira frowned. “I haven’t figured out who Bear is avoiding in Ireland, but I’ll keep working on it.” She took a deep breath. Then she stilled. Her eyes widened. She took another deep breath and then lunged up. “Oh my God. You slept with the demon. I smell him on you.”

“There wasn’t any sleeping involved,” Simone said dryly.

Nick grinned. He loved the woman’s spunk. The way she owned her life, no matter what. “I’d like another round,” he said.

Moira half-turned, delight dancing across her face. “Well, isn’t this a nice turn of events?”

Was it? God, he hoped so.

Moira bounded up. “I have to head to the airport to meet my mate, but I’ll give him your best.”

“Say hello to Connlan.” Simone cleared her throat. “Also, last night was a onetime liaison, and I wouldn’t mind if you kept this between us.” She gestured between Nick and herself.

“Of course.” Moira kissed Simone on the cheek and crossed to Nick to do the same. She reached the door. “I’ll only tell family.” With that and a humorous chuckle, she disappeared into the hallway.

Nick shook his head. “The world is about to know about last night.”

“Aye.” Simone stood from the table. “All right. We have the hearing tomorrow morning, and I need some sleep. I’ll call the Guard and have them meet me at my apartment.”

Nick lifted himself to his full height, heat ringing through his ears. “Oh, I don’t think so.”





Chapter 11


Simone faced the demon, more aware than ever of his power. But she was tapped out. In all her life, she’d never expected to be defending herself against treason charges. She loved her people, and she loved her nation. Leading them on the Council had been the greatest accomplishment of her life.

Now they wanted her head.

Somebody out there hated her enough to work tirelessly manufacturing damning evidence. Good evidence. Now she had a rogue witch group after her, and she’d had sex in an alley with the one male who had the power to shatter her heart.

She was tough, and she was smart, but her emotions needed a break. “Nick—”

“No, Simone.” He crossed corded arms. “I understand you require space, and I’m fine with that. Take the master bedroom, get some sleep, and we’ll attend my hearing together tomorrow. I’ll sleep on the couch.” He glanced at the damaged door. “After I fix my damn lock.”

She didn’t have the energy to argue, and this way, she wouldn’t have to deal with the Guard. “All right.”

If he was surprised by her acquiescence, he didn’t show it.

“Thank you for the eggs.” She moved by him toward the bedroom, ridiculously pleased when he stopped her with a hand around her arm.

He leaned down and brushed her lips with his. “Sweet dreams, little bunny.”

Desire tingled through her, but if she didn’t sleep, she’d be of little use tomorrow at the hearing. “Good night.” Turning, she wandered into the masculine bedroom. Dark wood floors, black comforter, oils of Russian landscapes on the walls. The room smelled like Nick—dark and of the forest.