Page 81 of Heimlock

Licking my bottom lip, drawing his attention further, I rasp out, “It makes me feel like I need things in my mouth.”

A low, rumbling growl vibrates his thick throat. “Oh, I think that can be arranged, pretty girl.”

Trinte’s lips are a hairbreadth away from mine. Before he can react, my tongue flicks out to lick his top lip. He sucks air through his teeth, then lets out a low chuckle.

“I’m fairly certain,” he murmurs against my mouth. “That only those with chemistry enjoy playing these games.”

32

These last few months, I’ve secretly watched Kyrielle’s fights, sticking to the rear of the crowd and inside shadows. I’ve always been mesmerized by the way she doesn’t let her small stature stop her from whooping tails and wings. It’ll be nice to stand in the front tonight, though.

Tonight’s fight is between her and Luca. I’ve never seen her fight a Gargoyle before, so this should be interesting.

Fynn and Orliana wait by the front doors of the arena, standing next to a female Glyridite and a female Forest Sprite I don’t recognize. When he sees me, Fynn waves.

When I’m close enough, he looks me over. “Why do you have healing bruises?”

There’s no way I’m discussing last night. “You look fatter.”

Fynn’s golden eyes narrow; he knows me well enough to know when I’m deflecting.

Thankfully, Orliana pats his flat stomach affectionately. “Don’t be mean, Trinte.”

I shrug and lie. “It’s the truth.” Turning toward the Glyridite and Sprite, I hold out a hand. “Hey. I’m Trinte, Fynn’s more handsome counterpart.”

The Glyridite grins. “I’m Reverie and this is my friend Yureka.”

Yureka looks at me with wide eyes. “You were the one who battled that Fire Sprite last weekend, weren’t you?”

“You did what?” Orliana hisses, slapping my arm. “You fought my best friend and didn’t tell us?”

I give Orliana a dry look. “Your best friend tricked me.”

“Who won?” Fynn asks curiously.

“It was a tie,” Yureka gushes. “You should’ve seen it. They choked one another until the other passed out, at the exact same time. She shoved fire down his mouth, and he tried to electrocute her. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Fynn and Orliana share laughable looks of bewilderment. I give a modest shrug. “She asked for it.”

My brother’s glare intensifies. “The two of you are supposed to be figuring out how to be friendly.”

Well, we murdered someone together last night; is that friendly enough?

“We’re trying in our own way.” I motion to Orliana. “I’m fairly certain this one can attest that Kyrielle isn’t the type to catch a cup of coffee to talk things out.”

Orliana’s mouth twists in disbelief. “I would actually disagree with you on that. She and I have never hit one another in anger.”

“We weren’t …” I go to fire back my disagreement, but the memory of my anger stops me. Finishing lamely, I repeat, “… She tricked me.”

“Tickets?”

The bouncer at the front, an oversized Cyclops, holds out a dinner-plate sized hand. Fynn places our tickets into it, and we’re let inside. Before walking ahead of me, Orliana casts me a confused glare, forcing me to look away with guilt.

“Kyrielle’s never battled Luca,” Reverie says next to me, her turquoise eyes shining with excitement. “Please tell me she’ll put him in his place. He’s too damn cocky in the ring.”

I laugh as we move through the crowd. “I can’t guarantee the outcome, but I do know she’ll give the betters a run for their money.”

“Good enough for me!” she declares, linking arms with Yureka.