Page 137 of Remnants: Disruption
I flinch at her words.
“Gareth,” I say, backing another step down the hall. “I had information, but I can come back later when the Council is together.”
“Do not run from me, woman,” Cass’ voice has taken on an entirely different tone. And I find myself rooted to the spot as Azazel finally steps around her.
“How did you overhear us?” Azazel asks, and I almost scoff at the question.
“You guys are fucking loud. And I amsotired of being used. I’ll fight his war, but that’s all. And it won’t beforyou.”
“You should not have been able to hear us,” Azazel says, sounding downright perplexed. “And you have a healing factor. Both of which are not normal in someone—”
“Aaron, Christ, read the room,” I say, spitting their name back at them.
Azazel—Aaron, does actually shut up this time.
“You—” Cass scoffs as she points a finger at the ground in front of her. “Come here.”
I could make a break for it.
“I do not wish to see this,” Azazel says and the damned coward slips past me.
“Here,” Cass’ demand comes again and I finally slink forward, wondering why after everything she still has this control over me.
She studies me for a moment before shaking her head with what could be a hint of amusement.
“How much did you overhear?” she asks and I wonder if honesty might start a fight. I’d hate to end up in the hospital again, but Trish makes a mean chicken noodle soup.
“You two have been together awhile and theyapproveof whatever you tried with me. Which I guess—”
Cass’ speed is unfathomable as she grabs me by the bicep, spins us, and steps me through the open door. It shuts firmly behind her, and I can hear the locking mechanism tick in.
“The part you missed,” she says, voice menacingly quiet. “Is that I was telling myclose friendthat you are far more to me than some woman I had to track down.”
I take a step back as she advances with each word. A solid wall presses up against me as Cass stands only a few inches away. Her face impassive as she tears me apart with her eyes alone.
“In all of my years, I have never needed for physical connection. Sex is easy. There are always willing participants. But I have neverwanteda connection with someone more than I want it with you. I have never wanted to bewithsomeone more than I want to be withyou. I have neverneeded,” she steps forward again, this time her pelvis pushes up against mine, pinning me to the desk, “to feel someone against me as I do with you.”
“I don’t—”
“Quiet. I will say my piece.”
And I shut my fucking mouth.
“I have never lied to you. Not in the few weeks you have been here nor in the days proceeding them. And I want to be perfectlyclear when I tell you that you, Arya, are the only person I want. And it has taken everything in me to not justtakewhat I want.”
Heat flushes my abdomen at her words and my jaw sags uselessly as she presses her entire body against mine.
“But what—” I start and she wraps long fingers around my throat.
“Gareth von Kemp is a fucking moron. Azazel has no desire for romantic or physical connections of any kind. We have been close confidantes for well over two decades and the rumor pops up from time to time. It has never been important to address–until now, it seems.”
Her orange eyes blaze with a dark fire before she draws her tongue along the side of my face. Like she’s tasting a delicious meal.
“And I only fuck women, Arya,” her whisper is ragged against my ear.
I gasp out as her other hand finds my waistband.
“Any other questions?”
