The more Cassian spoke, the more worked up he got. He practically threw the next words at Raven, his voice dripping with wounded pride. “Seriously. babe? If you had to choose between me and that proud and inflexible me, which would it be?”
Raven just stared.
Timothy whistled low, eyes dancing with mischief. ‘Whoa, hold up. There other guys in the picture? Didn’t realize we were walking into some juicy drama here.‘ He mock–covered his mouth. ‘She’s not gonna off me for knowing too much, is she?‘
Raven pinched the bridge of her nose. ‘How the hell did her stone–cold original self spawn over five million chaotic personalities? And why was Cassian picking now to have his meltdown?‘
With his powers fluctuating and shadowy enemies still hunting them, bringing him along would be like waving a red flag at a bull.
Her chest tightened. Not again. She couldn’t let history repeat itself.
“Cat got your tongue, princess?” Cassian’s grin was all sharp edges now, the kind that said he’d burn the world down for an answer. The bastard actually looked proud of backing her into this corner.
Raven’s jaw clenched. Like hell she’d answer. Pick Diabolus Cassian? Suicide. Choose the proud and inflexible one? Also suicide. Suggest sharing custody of her personality? Diabolus Cassian would skin her alive.
Boots pounded against marble as a Cloudshadow scout burst in, gasping. “My lady! Lord Timothy! The Forlunda big shots are at the gates–every faction
leader and their mother wants an audience!”
Timothy’s brows shot up. “Damn, vultures work fast.” He shot Raven a knowing look. “Betting pool on whether they’re here to kiss ass or spy on us?”
“News travels at warp speed in this town,” Raven sighed, running a hand through her hair. “We just got settled in Forlunda and Heaven’s crew is already at our doorstep. Can’t decide if they’re sniffing around or trying to score brownie points.”
A Cloudshadow Sect member piped up, “The family heads came bearing gift boxes. Pretty sure those are for you, my lady.”
“Let them in,” Raven said, only to yelp as Cassian’s arms snaked around her neck from behind.
“Nice try, sweetheart,” he purred against her ear, his breath warm. “But we’re not done here. Answer me now or I’ll ask in front of Forlunda’s entire elite- your call.”
Timothy Devonport, halfway to the door, stumbled like a drunk college kid at a frat party. ‘Holy hell. This guy has all the subtlety of a tomcat pissing on furniture. Since when did the demonic sidepiece outrank Raven?‘
Raven sighed like a parent dealing with a tantrum, Pressing a kiss to Cassian’s knuckles, she murmured, “Go greet the family heads with Timothy, Play
nice.”
“Alone?” Cassian’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re throwing me to the wolves?”
“Consider it an introduction.” Raven’s lips curved. “Once they know you’re mine, nobody’ll lay a finger on you.”
“Not happening.” Cassian crossed his arms. “You’re not ditching me that easy.”
Raven opened her mouth-
“Milady!” Timothy spun back from the doorway, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Funny thing–heard the elders brought the hottest bachelors along. Whole buffet of eligible bachelors out there.”
Cassian’s expression darkened.
“Changed my mind.” He was out the door before Raven could blink, coat flaring like some dramatic romance novel cover.
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14:59 Sun, 22 Jun G GO
Chapter 945
33
Timothy Devonport watched Cassian Lysander bolt out like his ass was on fire. Swiveling on his heel, he shot Raven a lazy grin. “Pelax. Your little soirée won’t turn into a dumpster fire. Probably.”
Raven blinked. ‘What the hell?‘
Nearby, the Cloudshadow Sect members exchanged glances. ‘Did we miss something? When did I say that those leaders brought young talents over?”
Timothy bit back a laugh. Okay, maybe he’d embellished the whole “parade of eligible bachelors” thing. But those patriarchs practically rolled out a red carpet for their ridiculously good–looking heirs.
2
AD
