Blake didn't have a chance to respond because Adrian was still back on the earlier topic, his eyes flashing with anger. "My mother wasn't sleeping with anybody. She doesn't even sleep with my father.' Blake continued in his oblivious way. "Hey, I saw them. They were all over each other. Did I mention how hot your--'
"Stop it,' warned Lissa. "It's not helping.'
Adrian clenched his glass. "None of this is helping!' Clearly, things weren't going the way he'd hoped when he'd first summoned Lissa and Christian from her room. "And I'm not going to sit and listen to this bullshit.' Adrian downed the drink and shot up from his chair, turning abruptly for the exit. He tossed some cash on the bar before walking out the door.
"Poor guy,' said Blake. He was back to his calm, arrogant self. "He's been through a lot between his aunt, mom, and murdering girlfriend. That's why really, at the end of the day, you just can't trust women.' He winked at Lissa. "Present company excluded, of course.'
Lissa felt as disgusted as Adrian, and a quick glance at Christian's stormy face showed he felt the same. It was time to go before someone really did punch Blake. "Well, it's been great talking to you, but we need to go.'
Blake gave her puppy-dog eyes. "But you just got here! I was hoping we could get to know each other.' It went without saying what he meant by that. "Oh. And Kreskin too.'
Christian didn't even bother with a correction this time. He simply took hold of Lissa's hand. "We have to go.'
"Yeah,' agreed Lissa.
Blake shrugged and waved for another drink. "Well, any time you want to really experience the world, come find me.'
Christian and Lissa headed for the door, with Christian muttering, "I really hope that last part was meant for you, not me.'
"That's no world I want to experience,' said Lissa with a grimace. They stepped outside, and she glanced around, in case Adrian had lingered. Nope. He was gone, and she didn't blame him. "I can see now why Ambrose and Adrian don't like him. He's such a ...'
"Asshole?' supplied Christian. They turned toward her building.
"I suppose so.'
"Enough to commit murder?'
"Honestly? No.' Lissa sighed. "I kind of agree with Ambrose ... I don't think Blake's smart enough for murder. Or that the motive's really there. I can't tell if people are lying or not from their auras, but his didn't reveal anything overly dishonest. You joked, but if anyone was going to commit a jealous murder, why wouldn't the guys want to kill each other? A lot easier.'
"They did both have easy access to Tatiana,' Christian reminded her.
"I know. But if there is love and sex involved here ... it seems like it'd be someone jealous of the queen. A woman.'
A long, meaningful pause hung between them, neither of them wanting to say what they were both likely thinking. Finally, Christian broke the silence.
"Say, like, Daniella Ivashkov?'
Lissa shook her head. "I can't believe that. She doesn't seem like the type.'
"Murderers never seem like the type. That's why they get away with it.'
"Have you been studying up on your criminology or something? " "No.' They reached her building's front door, and he opened it for Lissa. "Just laying out some facts. We know Adrian's mom never liked Tatiana for personality reasons. Now we find out that they were sharing the same guy.'
"She has an alibi,' said Lissa stonily.
"Everyone has an alibi,' he reminded her. "And as we've learned, those can be paid for. In fact, Daniella's already paid for one.'
"I still can't believe it. Not without more proof. Ambrose swore this was more political than personal.'
"Ambrose isn't off the list either.'
They came to Lissa's room. "This is harder than I thought it would be.' They went inside, and Christian wrapped his arms around her.
"I know. But we'll do it together. We'll figure it out. But ... we might want to keep some of this to ourselves. Maybe I'm overreacting here, but I think it'd be best if we don't ever, ever tell Adrian his mom has an excellent motive for having killed his aunt.'
"Oh, you think?' She rested her head against his chest and yawned.
"Naptime,' said Christian, leading her toward the bed.
"I still need a shower.'
"Sleep first. Shower later.' He pulled back the covers. "I'll sleep with you.'
"Sleep or sleep?' she asked dryly, sliding gratefully into bed.
"Real sleep. You need it.' He crawled in beside her, spooning against her and resting his face on her shoulder. "Of course, afterward, if you want to conduct any official Council business ...'
"I swear, if you say "Little Dragomirs,' you can sleep in the hall.'
I'm sure there was a patented Christian retort coming, but another knock cut him off. He looked up in exasperation. "Don't answer it. For real this time.'
But Lissa couldn't help herself. She broke from his embrace and climbed out of bed. "Its not Adrian ...'
"Then it's probably not important,' said Christian.
"We don't know that.'She got up and opened the door, revealing--my mother.
Janine Hathaway swept into the room as casually as Adrian had, her eyes sharp as she studied every detail around her for a threat. "Sorry I was away,' she told Lissa. "Eddie and I wanted to set up an alternating system, but we both got pulled for duty earlier.' She glanced over at the rumpled bed, with Christian in it, but being who she was, she came to a pragmatic conclusion, not a romantic one. "Just in time. I figured you'd want to sleep after the test. Don't worry--I'll keep watch and make sure nothing happens.'
Christian and Lissa exchanged rueful looks.
"Thanks,' said Lissa.