The Sugared Game (The Will Darling Adventures, #2)

by K.J. Charles

“Damnation. I’m sorry.” “What on earth for?” “Well, you. This looks like a rotten job.” Kim’s face twisted, a sudden, shockingly open movement that made him look dreadfully like a child. It lasted a fraction of a second before his face smoothed over, but Will could see the tension in his jaw and neck still. “Kim?” “You startled me with sympathy. Ah, Christ, Will.” “What?” Kim hesitated. “Only that I’m grateful to have you with me thus far. And.” He exhaled. “And I don’t flatter myself that you’ll care, but I ought to say that I disappeared on you in January for purely professional reasons. You deserve to know that.” “What reasons?” “I had—call it omens of trouble with Zodiac at the end of last year. I thought I would do well to keep my distance rather than draw attention to you, and subsequent events proved me right. I’m rather afraid things are coming to a head.” “And you didn’t think to tell me?” “What, and expect you to sit tamely at home, keeping out of danger, because I said so? You aren’t famous for your obliging nature.” That phrase struck at Will’s gut. Kim had used it about himself, here in this flat. He had an exceedingly obliging nature, at least in some areas. And Kim had noticed that resonance too, because his eyes were on Will’s deep and dark. “I’ll decide what to do for myself,” he said, hearing roughness in his voice. “Stop playing silly buggers.” “Silly buggers is what I do. There’s no point waiting for me to do otherwise. There’s no point waiting for me a...