Page 162 of Obsidian and Frost

“Aww,” Nyx said. “Unbelievably cute.”

I grinned out at him. “I know, right?Socute.”

“Even enjoying being referred to ascute.Wow, you definitely have it bad,” Nyx rightly observed.

I focused on Velra and brushed my lips over her cheek. “When it comes to you, I absolutely do.”

I pulled away before it became impossible to leave it at that, and then I eyed Nyx. “I’m sure you’re reading the fuck out of me right now to make sure being with me is all good for Velra.”

“Already done actually, Laz.”

“And?”

His lips quirked. “You make her happy. You help her.” He leaned in and whispered, “Keep it up. She deserves this. And rein Sylas in if need be. You certainly have that power over him.”

As he pulled back, I stared at him stunned. He’d read much more than I’d thought possible, even seeing Sylas in me, and to that depth of insight too.

He winked at me, then I said my goodbyes to Velra, and the two of them headed out.

The meeting had been efficient and actually run a lot shorter than anticipated, so now I had over an hour to kill before my next class. I had three prior toCombat and Power Synergywith Velra and Sylas together.

My phone buzzed in the pocket of my forest-green hoodie. That’s right, I wasn’t wearing my tactical gear today. Just my hoodie over a white tee and a pair of dark gray jeans.

I pulled my phone free and eyed the text that had come in.

To the Group Chat.

Cassius:Dinner at my apartment tonight?

I jolted at the message.

Not what I’d been expecting.

It was actually shocking, to be honest.

I knew Velra had added him to this thing, but this was the first time he’d actually sent a message, instead of just reading them.

And it had been days.

Taking days to do things was kind of his thing.

Velra:Sounds lovely. What a nice offer.

Sylas:Need help with the cooking?

Cassius:What have you heard? Was it Kai?

Sylas:Do you really have to ask?

Cassius:I gratefully accept your offer, Sylas.

Sylas:I’ll be there an hour before dinner. When is it?

Cassius:Is eight appropriate for first dinner?

Velra:It’s perfect.

Perfect.