Chapter 15

Torin

Last night, my conscience nearly convinced me that everyone was right, and I was wrong. I lay awake for hours trying to figure it all out. My intentions were pure. I’d do nothing to harm Sybil, but my inner voice told me differently. It said I was a coward—a selfish fucker who gave incubi a bad name. It had me kicking my own ass, wondering how I could be so stupid.

The following morning, however, I told my morality to get lost. I’d had enough of judgment. All my life I’d been criticized for everything—from the way I dressed to the friends I chose. If it weren’t for Sybil’s parents, none of this would be necessary.

Some people might think I was doing this for my own sake. They’d be wrong. It didn’t really matter to me what anyone said about me. Yes, I’d benefit when Sybil came to me, but that wasn’t my main concern. I wanted her to have a little fun. Live the life she wanted. Make her own damn choice. So I’d sit back and watch—in agony—while the wrong done to her years ago was corrected.

The Nakamuras stole from their daughter like a fucking common thief. They decided that lineage meant more than true love and struck a bargain with the King of Hell. The demon’s son, Khan Najex, couldn’t do the honest thing—come to Sybil like a real male and win her heart. No. He had to use trickery and performed a goddamned supernatural kidnapping. If I could, I’d love nothing more than to settle this situation right then, but I couldn’t.

It wasn’t time yet.

Pulling on my leather jacket, I got ready to leave but unfortunately the Fates intervened and blocked my path. Standing in my hallway was none other than Nico Constantine—the male who didn’t do his job.

His gaze slowly swept over me. “Going somewhere?”

“Yes. I’m meeting Sybil—”

Nico stepped right as I tried to go left and pushed me back inside. “Not before we talk.”

“What now? We have nothing to discuss.”

Nico slammed the door behind him, and I stalked toward the window. Too bad it was early. Conversations like the one I was about to have should be done with a stiff drink.

He sunk his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “You know, when London told me about this situation of yours, I thought she was lying. Then Alistair came to me. Did you honestly think I’d sleep with Sybil?”

The honest answer? I’d hoped he would. She’d been attracted to the male ever since our days at Lorelei’s School of Deviltry—an academy training young supernaturals to do what we do best. “Why not?”

“I’m not everybody else! Unlike you, I respect Sybil,” he threw back at me.

“You don’t—”

“No! I get to finish.” Nico’s face reddened. “It’s one thing to want a second chance, but to do what you’re doing?” His voice rose. “How dare you fuck with Sybil like this?”

“I’m giving her options!” I shouted, walking toward Nico.

His hand landed on my chest, stopping me from getting any closer. “If you want her to have options, then leave her the fuck alone! Let her choose her own partners.”

“I am!”

“You’re not! You don’t get to pick who fucks her!” Nico lifted his hand and buried his fingers in his hair. Shaking his head, he added in a calmer voice, “You’re no better than her parents.”

I curled my fingers and said, “That’s a low blow.”

Nico ignored my comment. “If you truly want Sybil for yourself, grow a pair and step to her like a real male. Tell her how you feel and stop playing these damn games.”

My mind wanted me to say something uncalled for. Something that would undoubtedly end our friendship. But the only words that fell from my lips were truthful. “Maybe I will. It’s time.”

Nico did a double-take. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah, I am. Actually, I’m running late. Sybil and I are meeting for coffee.”

“Be honest with her. If you want to do the best thing—the right thing—tell her the truth.”

Nodding, I remembered that Nico was having problems with his mate. “I heard about Becca. How are you doing?”

Nico shrugged. “Could be better, but don’t worry about me.”

“Saying it doesn’t stop me from doing it,” I admitted. Out of all the fellas I used to hang with, Nico was the one who was more like a brother to me. Whenever he came to town, we usually spent time together. Our lives had taken different paths, but we never lost touch with each other.

“I know.” He shuffled to the door and turned toward me before opening it. “I’m going to be in town for a few days. We’ll get together. Maybe grab a beer or something.”

“Sounds good. I’ll walk out with you.”