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“Nicholas?”

“I already know what the weather’s doing because I checked, I hope whatever you ate was suitably delicious, and yes, Iamjealous as hell because you’re in Rome, and I freakingadorepasta. And as for the traffic, I packed you a set of earplugs.” He paused. “So is that all I get?”

“It’s all I can give you right now. To be honest, this is one story I need to tell only once. You’ll understand tomorrow.”

“Wow.”

Jake chuckled. “Yeah, that about covers it. I’m glad you called, though. Have you ever been here?”

“I attended a conference there once, decades ago. I’d like to see it through the eyes of a tourist. I’d liked to stand beside you at the Trevi Fountain, toss in a quarter, and make a wish.”

“And what would you wish for?”

Nicholas sighed. “That might surprise you.”

“Try me.”

“How about ‘Peace on Earth, and good will to all men,’ shifters included?”

Right then Jake really liked the peace part. As for the good will….

He sighed. “I’ve got a lot of work to do when I get home.” Orsini was right. He needed to tell as many shifters as would listen.

“I figured that might be the case. As long as you know I’m here for you, okay?”

“I know. And I wish you were here.”

“You missing my hugs?”

Jake said nothing for a moment. “And the rest.”

“Jake?”

“When I get back… let’s move things to the next level.”

“Are you sure? Itwasyou, less than two weeks ago, saying you wanted to take things slow?”

“Yeah, but a lot’s happened since then.” Jake smiled. “I think I’ve waited long enough. Now go to sleep and dream of me.”

“I’ve been dreaming of you for years. Don’t see any reason to change the habit of a lifetime. Love you.”

“Love you too. And yeah, I can’t wait for my next Nicholas hug.” He hung up, then placed the phone back on the nightstand. He walked over to the window and gazed at the castle.

Your secrets won’t be secret for much longer.

Chapter Twenty-Four

ROADKILL CAMEinto the bedroom. “You finished?”

“All done.” Eve pointed to the bag sitting on the floor beside the door. “Except I’d rather still be in bed. The sun isn’t even up yet.” She let out a sigh. “Well, Leighton Hall was certainly several steps up from some of the accommodations I’ve had to stay in.” She glanced at the four-poster bed. “My only regret is that we didn’t get to play with that the way I wanted.” She met Roadkill’s gaze, and he made a choking sound.

“Nowyou tell me. Why didn’t you mention this before?”

“I had stuff on my—”

Holy fuck.

Eve laughed. Their mental image had grabbed Hashtag’s attention in record time.