Free Flare of Promise (Asylums for Magical Threats #3) by Jessie Donovan Page B

of Neena’s. Being quiet may not hurt, either. And definitely no snogging.”
    They all fell quiet, but Petra glared at Will for good measure. She was grateful he hadn’t spilled her troubles, but hinting was still bad enough. Millie would pester her incessantly.
    Petra couldn’t wait to be free of everyone and go back to working solo.
    Then Will reached out to touch her lower back with his free hand and kept it there. How he managed to keep Gio balanced on one shoulder showed a degree of skill.  
    She really should move away from him. Will would get the message if she did.
    Yet as he lightly rubbed the small of her back, some of her irritation eased. She wondered if his glowing, green light could affect a person’s emotions or not because Petra should be pissed off, but a small part of her was glad he’d brought up Sean Reilly and her troubles. After all, Millie and her boss might be able to help her.
    If Petra stuck around, that is.
    Looking up at Will, Petra burned to know something before she left. Not sure when she’d have the chance again, she blurted out in a whisper, “Earlier, you mentioned not wanting to be seen as a weakness for a second time. What did you mean?”
    Will’s voice was so low she could barely hear him. “Aren’t we supposed to remain quiet?”
    “Neena said we should be free of threats for the next ten minutes.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “And you believe her?”
    She touched his side. “Maybe. Consider it a peace offering for you mentioning my past in front of Millie.”
    He looked at her askance. “I could say no.”
    “You could.”
    Will stared a few seconds and sighed. “Fine. A few weeks after your funeral, some blokes came round looking for you. They beat me up pretty badly. One even drew a knife. After that, I vowed I would learn to defend myself for the future.” He paused, but Petra remained silent. She was rewarded when he added, “They were looking for you. Knowing what I know now, I think they were tied to your brother’s fuck up. It also means you faking your death was in vain.”
    She frowned. “Not true. While I’m sorry that happened, you would probably be dead right now if I’d stuck around.”
    He stopped and met her gaze. “And maybe we’d be married with two dogs, living in a quaint house outside of London.”
    Petra searched her brain, wondering if Will was right. No. She’d done the right thing.  
    She was about to explain how when Millie dashed ahead and peered through the undergrowth. Going on high alert, Petra adjusted her stance and took out the small gun hidden in her purse.
    The second Millie snorted, Petra released her hold on the gun. Millie’s voice filled the vicinity. “Figures Neena would send you.”
    A male voice with a British accent answered, “I’m here saving your arse. Have some gratitude.”
    Millie looked back at Will and Petra. “It’s my brother, Jaxton.” She whipped her head back around. “And Kiarra? Is she here too?”
    An American female voice replied, “Right here. As if I’d allow Jaxton to leave me behind. Neena said you’d have a surprise for us. What is it?”
    “Well...” Millie trailed off and motioned for Will to come forward. Just before he reached Millie’s position, Millie dashed ahead through the undergrowth. While keeping her eyes and ears open, Petra followed.
    As soon as Petra cleared the last of the bushes and other foliage, she saw a helicopter sitting in a clearing, with a tall man who had the same shape of eyes and brow as Millie. Next to him was a short, dark-haired woman. Petra had seen both of them back in a pub in Edinburgh many weeks ago.
    Luckily, neither one seemed to recognize her. Petra was about to introduce herself when Will maneuvered Gio to the ground and Kiarra whispered, “Giovanni.”
    Millie put her hands up. “Surprise. We have your brother.”
    Petra eyed the woman named Kiarra. All she knew was that Kiarra was an elemental fire first-born and the niece of James Sinclair.