Fated Blades (Kinsmen, #3)

by Ilona Andrews

It must be so nice to have someone like him watching your back. Someone competent. Decisive. Someone who has his shit together. Too bad he is an enemy.

She was on her own. At the time she had simply accepted it,

but now, as she listened to Matias, she felt a crushing realization—she was alone. Utterly, completely alone. She would never let it stagger her, but it hurt.

They shared a look. They were still enemies, but even enemies were allowed latitude when it came to complaining about family.

“Why do we do this to ourselves?” she wondered. “Family. And the glamour of being kinsmen.” His words dripped sarcasm. “So much glamour. Sometimes I am so glamorous I forget to take a shower for three days and sleep in my office.” “Sleep? What is this luxury? Sleep is all about relaxation. Soft bed, warm covers. I haven’t slept since last month.” She looked at him, not sure if he was joking. Today was the seventh. Technically, with the right boosters, it was possible. “I don’t sleep. I pass out, and before that I lie awake making mental checklists, until my brain shuts down

“I’m not tired,” he assured her in a patient voice. “I’m fine.” Aha. “So, you’re going to do the man thing?” “What man thing?” “The one where you heroically decide to pilot the entire distance and then be tired and irritable and expect special treatment for it.” He gave her a flat look.

“Matias!” Nadira said into the ensuing silence. “Why did you sell our company to Ramona Adler?” “Because it’s customary to exchange bridal gifts before the wedding,” he said. Everyone screamed at once.