Page 110 of Captive Audience

I forced a polite smile. “Apologies for my husband. We’re still working on simple commands. Sit, stay, try not to maul anyone.”

Torin leaned in slightly, his voice dropping low enough that only Rook and I could hear. “Incredible act, you two. I wasn’t sure you could pull it off, but you have everyone here convinced you’re a real married couple.”

My fake smile vanished. Torin’s comment hit harder than it should. Because we weren’t acting. Not really. The way Rook’s body fit against mine, the warmth and reassurance of his hold. It all felt too natural. Too easy.

Rook’s thumb traced slow, deliberate circles against my belly. “It’s not that hard.”

Torin slid his hands into his pockets. “Rook, get yourself a drink. I’d like a word with Asha.”

“You can talk with me here.”

“That’s an order.”

Rook hesitated for half a second. A rush of warm air hit the back of my neck when he exhaled sharply and brought his lips to my ear. “I’ll be close. If you need me, just say the word.”

I turned my head until we were cheek to cheek. “Okay.”

Nervousness churned in my belly, and something strange must’ve been happening to me, because the thought of Rook leaving my side made me anxious.

Rook gave his boss a nod, then walked away. The second he was gone, I felt the absence of his body heat.

“Wow,” I said, turning back to Torin. “I didn’t think anyone could boss Rook around.”

“Interesting. I was thinking the same thing as I approached the two of you. Walk with me.”

He offered his arm, and I took it. We strolled to a quiet spot near the edge of the rooftop, where the view stretched in every direction.

“Congratulations on the opening,” I said. “The hotel’s stunning. I passed the casino on the way in. Very Vegas.”

“Do you gamble?”

“No.”

“Neither do I.” His mouth curved, but it wasn’t quite a smile. “I don’t like leaving anything to chance.”

The words sat heavy between us. Why did I get the feeling we weren’t talking about slot machines and poker?

He studied the skyline for a moment, long enough that I started to wonder why he’d pulled me aside.

Then he said, “You’re living with Rook. That puts you inside our world and gives you access to information that should stay buried.” His gaze shot to me. “You understand the risk in that, don’t you? Especially with the reach of your podcast.”

“I’m not a threat to Rook.” The words came out harsher than I expected. “Or the Beasts.”

One brow lifted, faintly amused, faintly warning. “Good. Keep it that way.”

He let the quiet stretch again, the hum of the party filling the void. “Is Rook treating you well?”

“The situation is far from perfect, but yeah. He’s been good to me.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” He paused, then added, “Make no mistake, the man you live with is capable of terrible things. We all are. But sometimes, the best person to defeat a monster is a different kind of monster. Remember that when you’re judging him.”

I didn’t respond, letting his words sink in.

Torin waved to someone behind me. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m being summoned for photos. Enjoy the party, Asha.”

He disappeared into the crowd, and I was left standing at the rooftop’s edge, unable to shake the feeling that the real danger tonight hadn’t come from Rook’s jealousy. It’d come camouflaged in Torin Lynch’s charm.

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