ŷ������

“What is taking that security guard so long?�� Enrique grumbled. “He was supposed to be out by eight o’clock. It’s nearly nine.��

“Maybe he doesn’t have a clock.��

He stared at her. “Are you finally making a joke?��

“I’m pointing out a gap in your observation.��

Enrique let out a low whooshing breath. “And to think I could’ve been dancing at the Palais des Rêves tonight.��

“They didn’t want you, remember? Séverin said your face was all wrong.��

“Thank you.��

“You are welcome.”
― Roshani Chokshi, The Gilded Wolves

“Be like Laila, said a voice in her brain.

Zofia sat up straight, held his gaze, then did what she’d seen Laila do many times when she looked at Séverin--lift one corner of her mouth ever so slightly, but tilt her head down at the same time �� wait, now she couldn’t see anything, oh, and Laila would sometimes lift up one shoulder
��
“What on earth are you doing?��

“I am imitating patterns of flirtation.��

“Wait. You’re flirting. With �� me?��

Zofia frowned. Why would he think that? She just said she was imitating the general strategy of others.

“Maybe I have the methodology wrong. I also saw women do this. Better?��

She relaxed her body. Then pretended there was something on her upper lip and licked it off with a slow swipe of her tongue.

Enrique blinked rapidly then shook his head.

Shaking one’s head meant no.

Zofia shrugged and waved her hand. “I’ll practice later.��

“You �� don’t need much,�� said Enrique, his voice pitched lower than usual. He wasn’t looking at her. She must have been terrible.”
― Roshani Chokshi, The Gilded Wolves

“Any trouble?�� he asked.

“Yes,�� said Zofia, matter-of-fact. “There was a fireball and the ground broke, and we thought Tristan and Enrique were dead.��

“W�󲹳�?��

“Tristan is fine,�� soothed Laila. “He’s upstairs now, standing guard.��

“Did you say fur ball?�� asked Hypnos. “Like a puppy? How endearing.��

“She said fireball.��

“Oh. That is decidedly less endearing.”
― Roshani Chokshi, The Gilded Wolves