Page 87 of Eclipse Sector

Now, I wondered if he was an ally with profound abilities.

Or an impressive enemy masquerading as a docile ally.

He lifted a glass my way in a falsecheersmotion, almost as though he could hear my calculative thoughts, then tipped the water into his mouth and downed it like one would a shot of liquor. Then he set it aside, picked up another tray, and took it to a table next to where Ivana had stood moments ago.

Only, she wasn’t there now.

I glanced around, then froze as she materialized beside me in the shadows, her body seeming to blend in with mine despite her fair features.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CILLIAN

Haveyou picked up on anything noteworthy?Ivana mentally asked as she took a sip from the drink in her hand. The liquid was pale yellow in color, the sweet yet sour scent suggesting it was lemonade in her cup.About Sylvia, I mean,she clarified.

I admired her long, delicate fingers wrapped around the stem of her glass, as well as the way her throat lightly bobbed with each swallow. A myriad of sensual images danced through my mind, each of them involving her lips wrapped around something much larger—and harder—while her throat created a similar motion.

It was wrong.

The timing was absolutely inappropriate.

And yet, I couldn’t seem to halt the stream of thought.

Such a dangerous distraction, I told myself.Which is why I can’t have her.Shouldn’thave her.

Cillian?she prompted, her gaze on the room despite her thoughts being directed at me.

Yes?

Her lips curled down a little.I asked if you’d found anything.

Oh. Right.

I’m still working on it,I lied. Well, it wasn’t technically a lie. I was trying to work. I just…Fuck, Ivana, I’m sorry. I?—

Her free hand grabbed mine, giving it a squeeze.Don’t. Not here. Not now. We both have a job to do. You figure out who drugged Sylvia while I keep the Omegas calm.

And who is going to keep you calm?I asked, at a loss for what else to say to this marvelous creature.

She faced me, one blonde eyebrow inching upward.Do I need to be calmed?she asked, her tone underlined with a profound patience that I couldn’t help but respect.Because I feel pretty calm, Cillian.

How?I asked her.How are you so calm?

She lifted a shoulder and took another sip from her glass, the picture of nonchalance.

I know you’ll figure this out and protect us, Cillian. And I know Sylvia is safe in Blood Sector. My only concern right now is regarding the Sanctuary Omegas. They don’t have the same experience and faith that I do. This is all still very new to them. They need reassurances right now, which I can provide. And you’ll do the same when you determine who hurt Sylvia.

Her hand squeezed mine once more before slipping away.

Or she attempted to, anyway.

I intertwined our fingers before she could and tugged her back to me, her warmth a welcome sensation against my skin.

For whatever reason, I wasn’t quite ready to let her go.

Maybe it was her calm aura.

Maybe it was the fact that I didn’t want her to go anywhere near Cael.