Page 74 of Silent Night, Savage Heart

"We're really doing this."

"We don't have a choice. We need to deal with both of them. Silas is not going to stop, and Edmund’s thrown the gauntlet down at your new Kingsley feet.” I cup her face. "But Peyton, you stay with me tonight. You don't leave my sight. And if things go wrong?—"

"I know. I run. We've had this conversation." She covers my hands with hers. "But Blake, I’m not letting you die for me tonight. We both survive, or I’ll kill you myself.”

I forget that Nico is watching from a short distance and tug Peyton forward against my chest. “You’re cracking jokes at the most inappropriate time.”

“I’m not joking.”

My heart beats stronger when she’s this close, reminding me of the connection to her that is growing without my goddamn consent, so I kiss her. It’s a chaste one compared to what we did last night but it’s one of ownership all the same.

Peyton is mine.

Mine to kiss.

Mine to fuck.

And mine to protect.

I call Nico back over. "We'll be there, and we’ll be ready,” I tell him, being sure to keep an eye on his affect.

Nico checks his watch. "Gala starts at seven. Whatever Silas has planned happens between nine and midnight. That's our window."

"What about you? Where will you be?"

"Wherever Silas puts me. Probably close to him, following orders, pretending I don't know what's coming." Nico's jaw sets. "I'll try to signal you if I spot the threat. But Blake? Be careful. Silas is paranoid. If he suspects I've warned you, he'll move up the timeline or change the plan entirely."

"Understood. I have a very deep understanding of how Silas operates, especially under pressure.”

Nico starts to leave, then stops. "Thank you for trusting me enough to at least listen."

"I'm not trusting you yet, but I'm giving you a chance to prove yourself." I hold his gaze. "Don't make me regret it."

"I won't."

He leaves.

Peyton and I stand in the empty club, the weight of what we just agreed to settling over us.

“I’ll feel better about this once you loop in Talia,” Peyton says.

“You trust my sister, huh?”

“Yeah, and I like her too.”

Now that the club is empty, I pull Peyton into a nearby hallway, pushing her flush against a blank wall.

“But do you like me more?” I tease lowly.

“Maybe.” She bites her lip, grinning.

“How much more?”

“I’m not sure,” she grins.

There are so many reasons why I shouldn’t do this, but I convince myself that it’s harmless play and doesn’t mean shit in the grand scheme of things.

“Let me help you with your decision making,” I say as I unbutton her jeans and slide them down her legs while never taking my eyes off of her.