Page 55 of All Your Deadly Truths (The Filthy Duet #2)
Kairhyse
S he was a moody little demon for the past seven days. While she didn’t speak to Sydni, she didn’t go out of her way to avoid her either. Still, I could feel the awkwardness—how they’d sit in the same space, sharing silence rather than words.
I understand why Xeraphine was upset by her princess’s reaction to nearly killing Brice. It only highlights the fundamental difference between them—Sydni wants to see everyone happy, while my girl knows that’s not the reality they live in.
And as much as I love my little butterfly, I will always take Xera’s side. That’s never in question. Thankfully, I know my little demon would never hurt her best friend, so I won’t have to deal with the aftermath of something neither of us would want.
I followed through on what I promised her, and now everything is aligning as it should.
Tonight, I’m taking Xeraphine away from the cabin—just the two of us. And the gift I have for her… it’s something I’m truthfully excited to give.
“Kairhyse mother-fucking Monroe.” His deep, thunderous voice roars over the motorcycle engine before it’s shut off.
I’d watched the black and red BMW sport bike roll through the long driveway toward the cabin, so I knew he was coming, but to see him after nearly seventy years feels surreal.
“Kayn mother-fucking Butcher.”
He sets his helmet on the seat and immediately strides toward me, hand outstretched, a wide, toothy grin revealing his fangs. Our hands clap together in a firm shake before he pulls me in for a quick hug—two solid pats on the back—then I step away, breaking the embrace.
“Good to see you, man.” He places a hand onto my arm, giving me a singular up down.
“As to you.”
His dark brown hair frames his tawny face, half up in a ponytail, the rest draping around his shoulders.
Last I saw him, he had it nearly down to his ass, commenting about how he was going for the ‘samurai look’, or some shit like that.
Tattoos peek up from the collar of his shirt, down his exposed arms, and I know there isn’t a single piece of his body that is free of them.
All but his face. He loves to comment about how pretty that is and how he would rather not cover it.
“You replaced the long hair with a full face of it, I see.” I pat his arm, and he throws his head back with mirth. The muscles in his neck flexing.
After coming down from laughter, he fixes his gaze over my shoulder. “That must be her,” he croons.
Looking behind me, I see my little demon coming out of the house, her hands crossed over her chest. That pouty, very moody , frown on her face.
“Forgot how beautiful they are,” he whispers, even though I’m pretty sure she can hear him. “She’s definitely not an exception.”
I turn my head back to him, point at him, and fix him with the look that says ‘down’ . “You know I don’t share. That hasn’t changed over the years,” I remind him.
He winks and raises his hand up to gesture for her to come over.
“She’s not…” I speak through my teeth.
“I know you aren’t beckoning me ,” she hisses. “Men, I swear to the Gods.”
“Oh, I’m going to love her, I know it.” He slaps my shoulder and moves around me, heading toward Xera. I take a deep breath and follow right behind him, my eyes locking onto my little demon—who looks one more daggered glare away from slicing us both where we stand.
She knew someone was coming, but I hadn’t given any indication of who, mostly because it wasn’t like she’d know him. Still, if she’d been in a better mood this past week, she would’ve pushed for more details. And knowing me? I probably would’ve caved.
“Xeraphine,” I begin as we step up to her, her chin raising to keep our gazes locked. “This is one of my oldest friends, Kayn Butcher. Kayn, this is Xeraphine Nora, my girlfriend.”
She wets her bottom lip, and I brace myself for some pushback on the title—but none comes. Instead, she simply looks at my friend as he extends his hand to her. I half expect her to ignore it, so when she actually takes it, I have to fight to hide my surprise .
“Friend.” She releases a huff as Kayn leans in and presses a kiss to her knuckles. “Kai’s never mentioned a friend. I was kind of expecting a nobody, just in case I killed them.”
He laughs, and flashes me a bright grin. “Kai, huh? That’s cute . Took Luce years to give me any sort of nickname.”
Groaning, she drops her chin and gives me an irritated look. “Great. I see where you get it.”
“Humor?” I chuckle. “No, Kayn gets it from me.”
“He got the charm from me,” he offers, putting both of his hands onto his hips.
She snorts. “What charm?”
“Ouch.” I mock slap my hand over my heart. “You didn’t say that last night when?—”
“Kairhyse Monroe!” she shouts, cutting me off. “Please, for fuck sakes.”
Spotting Kayn watching Xera as she steps in to smack my arm, it’s clear as day that I made the right choice in asking him for this. I know his history—at least the small parts he’s shared—and I can see it in his eyes. He’s comparing her to Luce.
And for the first time in a while, I feel hopeful. Maybe this is exactly the help my girl needs.
He sees me staring, and gives me a wink.
“I need to go grab a few things at the store,” I say after rubbing the spot she’d swatted me at. That seems to surprise her, eyes wide and lips parting ready to protest. “I’ll only be a few hours.”
When her hands begin to tremble, my eyebrows pinch.
“But you’ve got plenty of fresh air here…”
Oh, fuck .
I turn to look at Kayn, gesturing for him to head inside.
He nods, stepping around her without hesitation.
I’ve already informed Brice and Sydni that I had a friend coming and to expect a stranger, so I’m not worried about them attacking him.
Even if they did, he’s over a thousand years old—odds are he’d win that fight without breaking a sweat.
“Let me go with you.” Her words come out frantic. “Why do you need to go by yourself?”
Sucking in a breath, I soften my voice. “I’m just going to run to the store.”
“Holy fuck… I’ve never had this much anxiety,” she confesses, clasping her hands together. “I don’t like it. I fucking hate it.”
Simply nodding, I put my hands onto her shoulders, slowly dragging them up to the sides of her neck. My thumbs run along her jawline, our eyes locked as she releases an uneasy sigh.
“It’s just the store.” It isn’t a question, but I nod anyhow. “A couple hours.” Again, I confirm with a nod, not saying anything and allowing for her to talk herself through it. “Car runs fine…” I smile, and bring her forward for a brief kiss. “Stupid… feelings.”
When I pull her back, we both take a breath. “Smile for me, little demon. We are alright right now.”
There’s no part of either of us that truly believes we’re completely safe.
She and I both understand that Tali is out there searching for her.
This home was passed down through generations, eventually falling out of my family’s name through marriage, and sold to an unknown buyer—me.
But it’s not under Kairhyse Monroe. That’s what gave me the confidence to call this a safe place for us, despite the lingering uncertainty.
It doesn’t mean either of us are complacent. Someone is always on guard, every night, and throughout the day.
“Okay,” she finally says and gives me a soft smile. “Pick up some tomato juice, I ran out this morning.”
Dragging her close to my chest, I lean in and press a soft kiss to her lips, my voice low as I whisper, “Anything for you.”