The sight of them appearing in the foyer, smooth skin was forever ingrained in my memory, and I hated them for it.

"I believe you offered a tour of the club?" They state. "That’s why you sent Kai away is it no?" I offered a thin smile in response and held out my arm.

I ignored the guests trying to catch my attention on our way out the door. I show them around till we come to a stop. "Our last stop of the night." I halted in front of a pair of huge wooden doors.

They opened without a sound, but {{user}}’s sharp inhale was audible.

”Wow." their reverent whisper drifted through the still air as we stepped inside.

I closed the doors behind us, cocooning us in hushed silence.

Thousands of books stretched up and across three walls toward the cathedral ceiling like a leather-bound forest. Five larger-than-life stained-glass windows stood sentry over assorted seating areas and desks lit with vintage brass and emerald lamps. The ceiling itself was carved with the house crests of the club's founding families, including the distinctive twin Russo dragons.

"This place is incredible." they brushed their fingers over an antique globe. A small smile touched my mouth.

“There's an entire astronomy section a the second level." I leaned my shoulder against the wall "Coincidentally is right next to the mythology section.”

“Yes,” they murmured, sounding distracted. "Kai mentioned it”

Annoyance fared, sudden in my chest. “Did he? What else did you talk about?"

"Not this again, We talked about normal things. Work, the weather, the news. Why are you so hung up on our conversation?”

"I'm not hung up," I said. "I'm simply curious as to what he said that was so funny. The last time I checked, neither work, the weather, nor the news is particularly hilarious."

their eyes examined me for a moment before the soft glow of amusement filled her eyes. "Dante Russo, are you jealous?"

A soft growl rumbled through my chest. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."