Page 102 of Sight of Fate

Chapter Forty-One

CHARLI

Surprised to find there’s a Thai restaurant in Greystone, I volunteer to run over and pick up our order while Teague, Macklin, and Andros work out a plan with Ronan and Alejandro over the phone. But all three men instantly reject that idea.

“No space,” Teague softly reminds me.

“I’ll go with Charli,” Andros announces. “Battle planning isn’t really my area of expertise.”

Are you comfortable with him going with you? Teague silently asks, and I nod.

Macklin’s narrowed gaze lands on Andros, silently warning him not to upset me.

Andros dips his chin, forgoing one of his usual snarky comments, and we head out. When we get to the garage, he opens the door to a sleek silver SUV. I stiffen, and he immediately picks up on it.

“If you don’t feel comfortable going with me, I’m fine to pick up the food myself,” he says, his voice tight.

“Hank drove a silver Range Rover,” I whisper, staring at the interior and trying to get up the courage to get in.

Andros gently grabs my elbow and pulls me back, then slams the door. “I’ve been wanting to order a Maserati, anyway.” He walks over to Teague’s SUV and opens the door.

I place a hand on his arm. “Thank you.”

He picks me up and places me into the SUV, then leans in to buckle my seatbelt. His subtle but expensive cologne washes over me, and I breathe it in. Swiveling his head, he stares into my eyes, searching for something.

He must find what he’s looking for because he slams his mouth down on mine and, for the first time, I feel like he’s kissing me because he wants to. Not because he’s reluctantly giving in to his urges. His gloved hands come up to cup my face as he continues to explore, lightly stroking and sucking one minute, devastating me the next.

I reach up and thread my fingers through his thick brown hair, and his mouth becomes more urgent. His hands settle on my waist, fingers slipping under the hem of my sweater, and I tear my mouth from his kiss.

“Wait.”

He groans and removes his hands. “I only meant to kiss you.”

“I know. That’s what was so great about it,” I murmur, playing with the hair on the back of his neck. “It didn’t feel like you were just looking…”

“For a good fuck,” he says wryly, and I nod. He takes a deep breath. “I heard you today. When you were talking to Macklin about his wings. Then, to Ames later. Every day I see you a little differently. Clearer. I don’t know if I can be the mate you deserve, but I want to try.”

I think about all the time and space Teague gave me and sigh. Andros isn’t ready. “I’m not going to deny the chemistry between us, but maybe take some time and think about what you want. Today was hard. With the fire and everything.” He was triggered by the sight as much as I was, although you could barely tell from his cool demeanor. I pull my hands from his hair. “Our dinner is probably getting cold.”

There’s a frustrated look in his eyes and in the set of his mouth, but I’m not sure he knows what he wants. He eases back and shuts the door. Silent the entire way there and back, his brow is furrowed as if he’s doing a lot of heavy thinking.

After helping me out of the SUV, he holds up a hand. “You know, don’t you? About my past. My issues with fire. How much did they tell you?” Anger simmers in the depths of his eyes.

“Enough for me to consider giving you a chance,” I reveal, much to his astonishment. “I understand trauma. I don’t understand being an asshole.” Grabbing the bag of food, I saunter toward the elevator.

He catches up in a blink. “Touché, ma lumière.”

I raise an eyebrow, wondering what he said, but he just stands there, a little smile on his face.

Given it was only a few hours by jet from the first location to the second, they decided to hit them both in the same day. Less chance of spooking the HRC.

The address Mavros gave is in Greensboro, North Carolina. Raine said they must rescue those people first before coming for her. Wanting to be there first thing in the morning, Teague, Andros, and Ames flew out tonight. They’ll meet up with Ronan and Alejandro, and a few others along the way.

After getting ready for bed, I stand in the middle of Teague’s bedroom, shifting from foot to foot, wondering if Macklin’s going to join me. Butterflies are doing the tango in my stomach. A second later, he appears but stops at the doorway and crooks his finger.

Intrigued, I follow him down the long hall to another room. When we get there, he scoops me up and carries me inside. My eyes widen when I see the fairy lights strung across the room, bringing a soft, romantic glow to the room.

“I thought these would be better than candles,” he murmurs, staring down at me. “Do you like it?”