Page 110 of New Nebraska Heat

I smiled. “You’ll work your magic, I’m sure.”

“And so will you. I heard about Cecilia soothing the most savage beast ever seen.” He adjusted the front of his pants with an embarrassed grin. “I’ll talk to the big, bad jaguar next door. Then send him through for you to practice your own technique. Sound good?”

“I do have my charms,” I teased. “I’m still learning, but they’re getting better.”

“Better than you realize. Now, would you like some room service? A drink or snack from next door?”

I nudged my toes into the couch’s velvety folds, cuddling a soft cushion. “I just want everyone to be friends.”

“You’ll have it, I promise. Hunter’ll be through here soon. And I’m sure he’ll be putty in your hands.”

Bryce went next door, closing the beautifully carved double doors behind him.

I took a chance to speak to Seb in silence.

Hey, you. It’s cold outside. Even a bit chilly for Superman. Why not come in and relax on a comfy couch?

Hey. Thanks for thinking of me, but I’d like to stay out a little longer. I enjoy chilly nights. They make me feel… more human. Full vamps don’t get chattery teeth.His strained laugh bubbled through me. I wanted to smile, but the sadness in his tone muted it.

Okay. But I hope you’re not blaming yourself for what happened?

Kind of hard not to. If it weren’t for me, you’d never have been in danger. God, I’m such a goddamn weakling.

No. If you are, I am too, and so is Dagger. We all had our minds messed with.

But it was my job to protect you. I didn’t even put up a fight against his powers. I’m half vampire for God’s sake. I should have recognized a trance state, even if I don’t use them myself.

And it was amped by Fae magic.I reminded him.

Still, I failed you. Forgive me.

There’s nothing to forgive, but if it’ll make you feel better, then I forgive you. But only if you come in. I want to warm you up. Won’t that make you feel human too?

I couldn’t help the smile that pulled at my lips as I flirted with him. I could almost see his shy grin and the tops of his cheeks turning pink as his feelings washed down the mental connection.

Guaranteed.

Then I insist.

Seb slid open the balcony door, the rush of outside air refreshingly welcome. Closing it, he stepped forward giving me a sheepish half-smile. “So I—”

“Hey, Superman,” I said at the same time, the double doors swung open.

Hunter stepped through, his entrance cutting off Seb as he tried to start over. Bryce followed behind, winking at me discreetly.

With a hefty tumbler of straw-colored booze in hand, Hunter looked even more downtrodden than Seb.

“So, kid, listen, I wanted to say…” Hunter wasn’t shy, he damn sure wasn’t scared, but his averted gaze and fumbling words seemed to hint at shame.

“Hunter, seriously,” Seb said, “I’m really sorry. You told me not to let—”

Hunter held up a palm. “Let me finish. I overreacted. I mean, you were under a Fae spell, for crying out loud.” He sighed and had a gulp of liquor. “If I’m angry at anyone anymore, it’s myself.”

“I’m angry atmyself,” Seb replied, pushing his glasses up his nose. “So that makes two of us.”

Hunter clinked his glass down on a coffee table and extended his hand. “Sorry for all the shit I pulled. I was out of line.”

As Seb shook his hand, Hunter switched the gesture into an arm wrestle grip, and they both smiled, bringing me immense relief. I knew how much Seb admired the twins. This meant a lot to him. But we could go one step better.