Page 22 of Hateful Prince
Hook smirked. “And what’s that?”
“I’m going to catch the Ripper.”
Protest bubbled up inside me; I didn’t want her anywhere near that serial killer. But someone else beat me to the punch.
“And how exactly do you think you’re going to do that?” Cain drawled.
“Well, first I need to interview some of his victims.”
Chapter
Seven
HOOK
“Are ye sure that’s wise, gem? The last time...” Kai took her hand, and the earnestness in his eyes would have been pathetic if I didn’t understand exactly how he felt.
Dahlia crossed her arms. “The last time?”
Oh, she was going to make him say it. That she’d fled in terror. That she hadn’t been able to handle it on her own. Not a choice I would have made when attempting to win her over, but then few were as clever as me. I simply sat back and watched the disaster unfold. Where was the popcorn when I needed it?
When he didn’t speak, she poked him in the chest. “The last time worked out really well for you, dragon, so I’d watch it.”
“Kai’s right. It’s not safe to let you wander around hunting ghosts without one of us—namely me—with you.”
Ah, yes, the shadow magician needed to throw himself on the bomb too. Of course he did. His little assistant yipped as though agreeing with him. I had to smother a smile at the image of Cain wearing a top hat and tails. Instead of a bunny, he could pull his little dog out of his hat. Dahlia would make a lovely diversion, her curves on display in one of those little red fringe dresses.
Fuck me, I was going to have to excuse myself to the loo if I kept up this fantasy.
“We just discussed how her powers have grown,” Tor pointed out. “Who’s to say she can’t handle it?”
“Thank you,” Dahlia said with an emphatic wave of her hand. Then she blew Tor a kiss. “Good beast. I’ll make sure to show you my appreciation later.”
The hulking arsehole purred. Yes, like a cat.
“Okay, this has been fun. I’ve got work to do, so you all need to go.” Dahlia moved toward her desk, but no one moved. Not even Tor, who was still seated on top of it. She gave us all a heated glare. “Did I stutter? Make like a tree and leave. Or maybe since there’s a group of you, it would be a forest?”
Tor reached for her, grabbing her around the waist and hauling her into his chest. “Are you sure you want me to leave you, beauty?”
I saw the moment she faltered. A soft shudder worked its way down her body as she nearly melted into him. But she shook her head and pressed a light kiss to his lips. “Yes. I won’t get any work done if you’re here.”
“Or will you end up inspired to write your next bestseller because of it?”
“Oh, he’s abandoned the crazed beast and has latched on to the swoony prince now, has he?” Cain muttered to his dog.
“Come on, you guys. I’m serious. I’m not planning on running out and doing any ghost hunting this second. I have to get Keeks some chapters, or she might come out here and do the Ripper’s job for him. I’ll call you if I need you. I promise.”
Kai’s pupils lengthened into slits as an unhappy growl left him at her words.
“Too soon?” she asked. “Haven’t you learned that humor is one of my favorite defense mechanisms? It’s right up there with avoidance, denial, and manic anxiety spirals.”
I pushed off the wall where I’d been posed in my best sexy lean. “Fine, we’ll leave you. None of us will like it, but we’ll do it if that makes you happy, darling.”
I wasn’t sure who in the group was more stunned by my easy acceptance. Dahlia or the rest of her men.
My lips curled up as I snickered. Look who just realized I know how to play the game? That’s right, lads. Captain Hook is in the building. They’re called boundaries, boys. Look it up—I did.
Cain strode to the bed and rustled around in the sheets, snagging a pair of boxer briefs before dropping his towel and slipping into them. He left first, not giving a damn that he was clad only in his skintight underpants. I wondered what the appeal was to those infernal garments. I never wore anything under my trousers. Easier access. Less of a delay.