I hang up and give Pavel a nod. Seconds later, the embossed green sign thatreads O’Malley’s starts to glitter with light. The fire spreads fast, throwingoff heat and color and swallowing everything in its midst.
Who knew that starting a war could look so beautiful?
Wren startles like a frightened deer when I walk into the kitchen. “I canleave,” she offers quietly when she’s got her wits about her again. But shedoesn’t get up from the high stool.
“No need. I won’t be here long.”
I grab one of the bottles hanging from the overhead bar rack and pourmyself a hefty shot of whiskey.
“Why do you smell like a burning forest?”
I purse my lips after I down half the drink. “That’s a very specific analogy.”
“Well, you smell like smoke and your normal musk is
