Pia Does Hollywood (Elder Races, #8.6)

Quentin said without hesitation, “He’s going to kick our asses.”


The harpy barked out a short laugh. She had switched over to fighting mode, Pia saw, and looked fierce and eager. “So be it.”

The pair strode for the verandah where Shane waited. When they left, Bailey went with them.

“You go on too,” Pia said to Eva. “Give us a minute.”

Eva paused with a frown. Telepathically, she said, Okay, but for the record, I don’t like leaving you so close to him right now.

Duly noted, Pia told her. And, for the record, if he changes, I’m faster than you are.

Yeah. Okay, you have a point, Eva said. Just—Pia, you might be faster than I am, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to react fast if Dragos changes.

Pia reached for patience. Eva was only trying to protect her. I appreciate your point, but I’m still asking you to go.

Emitting a soft growl, the other woman complied.

Pia turned back to Dragos, cupping her elbows so that she didn’t forget and reach out to him. “We touch each other a lot,” she muttered. “I’m always just about to reach out to you, and then I have to catch myself up.”

“I know,” he said. “I’m doing the same. It’s driving me insane.” With a quick, impatient flick, he snapped the heavy chain that shackled one wrist. “I’m also beginning to realize how much I pace.”

“We’ll get you free.” She tightened her fingers, gripping herself hard. “Dragos, Eva brought up Liam. She wondered if he might be able to help you.”

His darkened gaze flared. “No! We’re not going to bring him into this mess.”

She jerked her head in a nod. “I had the same reaction. I could never knowingly put him in danger.” She searched his expression. “But what if we’re wrong? Your life could be at stake. Hell, mine and Stinkpot’s could be too.”

He shook his head, stubborn determination stamped on his rugged features. “We’re not there yet. Did you notice? The wound hasn’t gotten worse.”

Her breath left her, and she sagged. “I wasn’t sure. I didn’t dare to hope.”

“I noted before—the ends of the streaks were just beginning to show at the edges of the bandage.” He held out his muscled forearm for her to inspect. “Look. They haven’t gotten worse. We’re holding our own.”

She sagged. “That’s the best news I’ve gotten all day.”

“Chin up.” Dragos’s voice had gentled. “Look at me.”

She lifted her gaze to his. He looked so wrong, with his fierce gold eyes darkened. It was like the sky going dark in the middle of the day. The sight made the tiny hairs on the back of her neck raise.

But his expression was all his, fierce and tender at once. Giving her a slight smile, he whispered, “I’m putting my hand to your cheek right now.”

The stubborn strength that had kept her knees locked threatened to give way. Closing her eyes, she whispered back, “I’m putting my arms around you, and leaning my head on your shoulder.”

“And I’m stroking your hair, and kissing you.” He took a deep breath. “And I am always, always going to hold on to you with all of my strength. Always, Pia.”

The adamant surety in his voice steadied her like nothing else could have. Following his lead, she breathed deeply, taking in the reality of him. Then she looked up at him again. “We’ll deal with whatever may happen next.”

His smile deepened, and she knew that he had gone back to the first time she had said it. “We always do,” he agreed. “Now, since I’m chained up here, and Quentin and Aryal have left, why don’t you go take a look at those maps and see how many areas this contagion has spread to?”

“Okay.” She nodded. “We need to know that. If it spreads too much further, they’re going to have to go public about this. I guess I can understand why they haven’t yet, but this might have grown into something they can’t control anymore.”

“If they continue to be reluctant to go public,” Dragos said, “then we will. I hate as much as anybody the fact that this appears to be yet another catastrophe instigated by the Elder Races, but people need to be aware of the danger. Too many lives are at stake. If there’s any political fallout from this, we’ll just have to deal with it later.”

“Understood,” she said. She searched his expression. “Do you need anything—anything to drink or eat?”

“I’m good.”

“I’ll be back soon.” She smiled and whispered, “I’m kissing you right now.”

He swore softly, frustration evident in the snap of his voice. “I’m kissing you too.”

With that she had to be content enough to walk away.

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