Page 62 of Paws & Order

"You're going to put yourself into a coma."

"I'm willing to take that risk."

His smile appears again.

Slow. Unwilling. Beautiful.

For a second, I forget what I was saying. Actually, I forget most things. Including my own name. The realization is deeply annoying. And embarrassingly exciting. Fortunately, my phone rings and I’m saved by municipal bureaucracy.

I glance at the screen.

Zadok. Naturally.

"Good morning, sunshine," he says immediately. "Quick question. Did you steal Alaric's best friend?"

I nearly choke.

Across the table, Cassian closes his eyes.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Lies."

"Zadok.”

“He filed a verbal complaint.”

I stare. “He what?”

"He says you're monopolizing the Chief."

I look at Cassian.

Cassian looks at his coffee. The coward.

"Tell Alaric to get a hobby."

"I did. He says you are his hobby."

I hang up. Immediately.

Cassian's shoulders start shaking.

He's laughing. Actually laughing. The sight is unfairly attractive.

"Don't encourage him."

"I'm not."

"Liar."

His eyes meet mine. The smile fades. Not completely, but just enough.

The air shifts.

For one suspended second, it feels like we're the only two people in Blackthorn Bay.

Then the coffee maker beeps and the spell breaks.