Liam's fingers tightened in Arik's shirt despite himself.
It was not forgiveness, but rather instinct reaching for its mate.
Love, even wounded, had muscle memory.
Arik felt it and nearly broke harder.
"You think I want to go because Ravenwood has better curtains?" Liam asked, voice shaking against his collar.
"No."
"You think I do not know Felix is dangerous? You think I don't know Cain is missing?"
"No."
"Then WHY," Liam said, trying to pull back enough to look at him, but Arik's arms tightened before he could stop himself. Liam's eyes flashed. "Arik."
Arik forced his arms to loosen.
It cost him more than killing would have.
Liam looked up at him, furious and hurt and too pale. "Why are you making this about danger when you know that is not the real problem?"
Because danger was easier.
