I did not have time to protest. I could feel Bael’s presence in the alley beyond our hiding place. It was almost as distracting as the press of Asher’s body against mine, the faint smell of woodsmoke and spring rain clinging to his shirt. My hands came up against his chest, and in the quiet of the night, I felt the steady thrum of his heart.

It came as a surprise. I did not realize Assassins had beating hearts while in the mortal world.

He tipped his head, bringing his mouth to my ear. The kiss of his breath was soft against my skin as he whispered. “Don’t move a muscle.”

And then Bael was there, moving around the pallet, the sickly sweet stench of him seeping into our hiding place, making me want to gag. I fought the urge, burying my face in Asher’s shirt and calling myself a coward.

Take him now! You wanted him. There he is, I thought.

But I could not. It was all I could do to stand, immobile and full of fear, while Bael scoped the small space behind the pallet outside the doorway where we hid. His boot steps fell, heavy and purposeful, stopping only feet away. I was shocked when, a moment later, he spoke.

“I can smell her, Apprentice.” The last word was spat with venom, his voice low and guttural. “I could take her now, but I must admit, I’m enjoying the game. It’s always entertaining to toy with someone who thinks they stand a chance of winning. Besides, you can’t be with her every minute.”

The blood pumped through my body with extraordinary speed, and I looked up at Asher, wondering what he would do.

The answer was nothing. He only gave a small shake of his head as if to say no.

Bael remained a moment longer as if reveling in our predicament. Then his boots fell on the hard ground once again, growing farther and farther away until there was only my breath mingled with the muffled beat of Asher’s heart.