Page 45 of Wicked Bonds

She met his knowing gaze and gave him a little nod of gratitude because she recognized what he was doing.

He removed the paper towel and added it to the cloth one. “I’m not sure where Vera wants to put this,” he said, handing it to Issac. “It’ll depend on whatever memory she just created. Assuming she was telling us the truth about that.”

“She wouldn’t lie,” Leela interjected, certain. “And if she’s working with Osiris, she has a good reason, too.” She hadn’t stuck up for her friend earlier, mostly because she didn’t see the need to. Vera had more than proved her loyalty to Leela over the years. She was her best friend and confidant.

And she’d helped her on countless occasions.

Balthazar studied Leela for a long moment, his curiosity clearly piqued. But he gave her a dip of his chin, conceding to her point. At least, she hoped that was what he meant.

Perhaps he was referring to how Vera had manipulated his memories for Leela and was nodding in understanding of one of those occasions where Vera had helped Leela.

It was hard to say what he meant.

For as obvious as Balthazar seemed to be, Leela found him actually quite difficult to read. Sex was a clear motivator for him. But his desires went so much deeper than a mere roll in the sheets.

He was quite complicated beneath the seductive veneer.

It made her want to be able to read his mind.

Which would surely lead them straight to the bedroom.

“I’m ready when you are,” Balthazar said, holding out his hand.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “That wasn’t an invitation.”

“It was,” he countered. “But I meant misting, sweetheart. Vera has what she needs. It’s time for us to lead the Seraphim away from Hydria.”

“We’ll be awaiting your call in twenty-four hours,” Issac said, his arm around Stas.

Balthazar’s head tilted once in confirmation. “You’ll hear from us.”

Issac returned the gesture with a nod of his own before he and Stas vanished.

Gabriel met Leela’s gaze, the warrior Seraphim oddly quiet after beheading two of his brethren. He didn’t seem upset so much as resigned to his fate.

However, if Vera had done her job correctly, the Seraphim outside wouldn’t remember his involvement at all. They also shouldn’t recall Leela or Vera being here. Only Osiris, as it was his power that had subdued the two warriors long enough for him to gain the upper hand.

That had been the plan, anyway.

Assuming Vera had been able to complete the full revision of history.

She’d prioritized Leela first, wanting her presence here a secret to allow for the distraction to work.

“Leela,” Balthazar murmured, capturing her attention once more. “Ready?”

No, she thought. But she grabbed his hand anyway and said, “Hang on.” Because they were about to go for a ride neither of them would soon forget.

Chapter9

Balthazar

“Melbourne,”Balthazar mused, taking in the familiar sights. It was summertime on this side of the world. “Beautiful.”

He much preferred the sun to the moon. Not to mention the warmer weather. His jacket would not be needed here, but he kept it on, waiting for Leela’s next move.

Her lips curled down, her brow furrowed.How…?Her thought trailed off, piquing his curiosity. He waited for her to elaborate, then caught the strand causing her confusion. She’d meant to mist them to Sydney, not to Melbourne.

He glanced around again, the area one he’d visited many times before. “The Elders have a flat about two blocks that way.”