Their Favorite Toy

a bit too much. I hadn't planned to get so close to Rhys and Adrian. I hadn't planned on much of anything lately, really-least of all on

tectural detail on a building, a faded plaque, a sculpture half-buried in ivy. And Adrian-well, Adrian's amusement was more restrained, but he watched us with an almost quiet prote

ld stone buildings and in the mist that hung over the mountai

leaned back, his hands crossed behind his

e long lashes, "I never thought I'd find someone

re was a strange warmth in my chest. "Maybe I didn't app

lded, shot Rhys a knowing look. "She's sta

"I still have enough sarcasm in

ng in closer. "A cha

elf leaning in too, only to be met by Adrian's dark gaze, his eyes unreadable. For a moment, I

-

re than I should. I stood in their dimly lit living room, admiring the way the shadows fell across the walls, catching little d

I said softly, more to

nd here I thought you'd think

, settling into the couch. "Li

uring us each a glass. "People wear too many masks," he said, his voi

t. Our eyes met, and I saw something there, something dark and knowing, like he'd been waiting for me to understand. It was

oice barely audible over the musi

s running from something, Evelyn," he murmured, his voice smooth and reassuring. He took a sip

culous things. At one point, Adrian leaned back in his chair, watching Rhys and me with a fain

n the back of the couch behind me. "Ma

-

to catch the faint scent of him-woodsy and dark, with a hint of something else. He reached past me for a dish, and for a second

. "You know," he said quietly, "you could leave

the thought. "Maybe," I replied, my voice soft, "bu

might say something, but Rhys interrupted us, his v

of warmth in my cheeks again, a

-

resting on the couch, feeling their presence on either side of me. I had spent so much time

and resting lightly on my sh

touch lingered just a little too long. Adrian's gaze was da

d, though the words felt

lyn," Rhys whispered,

in what felt like y