Page 59 of Hero of Havoc

“You are a menace,” I grumble. “That’s not a good enough reason to do… whatever it is you did,” I mutter, and he grins from ear to ear.

“I didn’t do anything mean. I just might have… encouraged them to take some time in the shower, thinking about our girl to ease the tension they’re struggling with.”

Oh.

Of all the things I expected him to say, that wasn’t it.

I’m certain flames are about to burst at my cheeks because they’re so damn hot, and I quickly duck my gaze, avoiding his stare as he hums with glee.

Thankfully, he doesn’t press the matter any further. Although, it leaves me deep in my thoughts as we move in silence, visions swirling in my mind as I consider them taking his advice.

“Are you wondering what they look like?” he whispers, making my spine stiffen as my gaze snaps back to his.

“No.”

“Your cheeks are calling you a liar, Princess.”

“You’re just trying to get a rise out of me,” I mutter, and he grabs my hand, pressing my palm against his crotch.

“You’ve already gotten a rise out of me,” he retorts, and I think I’m going to pass out.

Not with embarrassment.

But with need.

Desire courses through my veins as I blink at him, my eyes flicking between his big blue orbs and his full lips.

Dammit.

I can feel myself swaying when my name rings in the air, snapping me from the stare-off with my Water Protector.

Gulping, I scan the area for the source of the sound and find Meadow waving at me animatedly.

Teddy brings my hand to his lips, grazing my skin with his mouth, a promise in his touch as he traces the same spot, sending another shiver down my spine.

“Hold that thought, Princess, for when we don’t have an audience,” he adds before nodding for me to go.

I stumble over my own feet, desperate to get to my friend, who wiggles her brows at me as I draw close. Before she can speak a single word on the matter, I wave her off.

“Girl, don’t even.”

Her eyes shimmer with delight, but she thankfully takes the hint. “Fine. Toby mentioned there’s a barbecue tonight. Can we eat first? I’m starving.”

My stomach chooses that exact moment to rumble, answering for me, and that’s the only hint she needs to drag me the remaining distance toward the pathway that leads down to the beach, leaving Teddy, Toby, Dorian, and the rest of their friends in our wake.

We giggle over nothing on the way down, using all of our focus to stop ourselves from rolling down the side of the cliff, and when we reach the bottom, my jaw already aches from smiling so hard.

Meadow rests her head on my shoulder, releasing a contented sigh as the smoky aroma catches my attention. Following the clouds of smoke, Meadow tugs me along to the back of the line.

“Who knew all I needed was my bestie and a burger?” Meadow declares, and I smile at her.

“I’m sorry I’m not present enough. I’m working on it,” I promise, and she waves me off.

“Girl, life is hard on me right now, and I’m not a phoenix. Fuck knows you’re juggling a lot, and the fact that you’re managing to keep your head above water is impressive,” she insists as we arrive at the front of the line.

I startle when I realize it’s Silas helping. Instinctively, I glance over my shoulder, not wanting to inadvertently cause an issue, but to my surprise, I find Teddy a few yards away, his eyes on me, and a sultry grin on his lips. If he’s bothered, he doesn’t show it.

Shaking off the invisible concern, I muster a smile as Meadow takes a cheeseburger, leaving space for me to do the same.