Slippery Creatures (The Will Darling Adventures, #1)

by K.J. Charles

They moved to the bedroom. If you sat in a sitting-room with a drink, you had to talk, and he doubted either of them wanted that. So Kim brought a cut glass decanter of very good single malt Scotch and two crystal tumblers, Will kicked off his shoes, and they both lay on the huge double bed. It was lit by more elegant lamps and adorned with pillows in crisply ironed purple linen cases. Kim’s quilt was purple as well. It was a very comfortable room indeed, except for the elephant in it. Will had no intention of mentioning Draven’s monstrous creation, or Kim’s betrayals, or his obvious wariness about his preferences. The former two would unlock the door and let the world in; the last of them was far too much like saying he cared. “Thanks for taking me in,” he said instead. Kim gestured with his glass. “Who would turn away a lost waif on a cold night?” “Waif?” “Metaphorically speaking.” He looked like he was about to say something else, but stopped himself. Will answered anyway, since the question was obvious. “The bookshop was a bit lonely tonight. Lot of dark corners.” “And easily broken windows, and easily forced doors.” “That as well.” “Hard to get a good night’s sleep under the circumstances. I see that.” “You don’t have many dark corners here. Your electric bill must be something.” “Lighting is an essential part of the design of a modern home,” Kim informed him in lofty tones. That sounded like Phoebe. Will sipped his Scotch. “I don’t think Phoebe should come and see me...