Page 34 of Forty Deaths Till Us Part

“Thank you for being my friend, Cass.” She glanced away but not before I saw a sadness in her eyes. She was not big on the mushy stuff, but she had been the best friend I ever had next to Isra.

Con winked at me. “Don’t mind her Raven. She struggles to let her guard down.” He was more right than he knew, but I had the feeling that Constantine wanted a lot more from Cassara than she was willing to give.

“You are very good at this,” I said.

He shrugged. “I am usually commended for my fighting skills, so this is a pleasant change.”

I shrugged. “I have never seen you fight, but I like you.” I leaned in and kissed his cheek before Rene pulled me back to him.

“It is inappropriate for you to flirt with Constantine during our binding ceremony.”

Cass turned to look at me before we both laughed.

Constantine shook his head. “I never believed I would see the day.”

“What day?” I asked.

Con motioned to Rene. “Him acting like a lovesick puppy. He is too old for such foolishness.”

Rene released my hand, and when I looked at my palm, the skin had already healed. “Remember this day, my friend. You will understand when your own bride stands before you.”

Constantine smiled. “I look forward to that particular side of crow.”

I laughed. “I love this family and I am glad you came to help us, Con. We really needed you.”

Cass grunted. “That is true, but don’t inflate his ego. It bulges more than his muscles.” Her tone was begrudging, but it rung with truth.

Constantine touched her cheek. “You know there is nothing I won’t do to ensure your safety.”

She stepped back almost reluctantly. “Don’t get so sentimental, Con.”

Con winked at me. “You see what I am forced to deal with?”

Cassara’s jaw dropped. “Since when do you have a sense of humor and where were you hiding it?”

Con turned to her. “There is more about me that you don’t know than you do. You fear nothing except me.”

Cassara’s eyes flickered. “I don’t fear you. I will fight anyone.”

Con nodded. “You don’t fear my blade, Cara.”

Cass glanced away, and I admired Constantine even more. I knew Cara meant beloved.

Con motioned toward the forest. “We should head back to the mansion. Shadow Bone clan members are like feral cats when they are not monitored.”

Cass grunted, but neither of us could stifle our laughter.

CHAPTER 13

Rene held my hand as we got in the back of the limousine and took our seats. His arm snaked around my neck and pulled me against his chest. His fingers traced the exposed skin on my shoulder as Cass took her seat opposite us.

Constantine was last, and he sat so close to Cassara that their thighs were touching. He had room on the other side, but he chose not to give her any space.

She glanced at him with flickering eyes. “Would you like to lie down? You would take up less space.”

He turned to her and arched an eyebrow. “I require little sleep, but if you are offering to give me a massage on the way home, then I humbly accept.”

Cassara’s hand went to her weapon as Rene coughed.