Free Lure of Obsession (The Muse Chronicles Book 1) by Lisa Kessler

he questioned. He shouldn’t risk it with you.”
    Mel crossed her arms. Tightly. “You’re warning me that he gets around?”
    Nate opened the gate, dressed in his standard slacks and button-down shirt. His holster was a new addition, too.
    John lowered his voice. “I’m warning you that he doesn’t do relationships, so if you’re going into it with that hope, don’t be pissed later.”
    “You’re still here.” Nate walked up.
    “Just chatting with Ms. Jacoby.”
    Nate looked at them both before raising a brow to his partner. “Were you being an asshole?”
    “No more than usual.” John met her eyes, and finally he nodded. “Nice seeing you again.” He went to his car, calling over his shoulder. “I sent you a text with the address, Malone.”
    “Be right behind you.”
    Mel got back in Nate’s car, her mind spinning. Nate hadn’t given her the “player” vibe at all, but the first thing he’d said when she told him about Guardians was that the gods picked the wrong guy. Maybe the relationship thing his partner mentioned was hidden in Nate’s comment.
    She stared out the passenger window, digesting Detective Gilman’s information. She’d had her share of heartbreaks over the years, and her most recent had come right before she’d moved to Crystal City. It had made making the no-dating pact with her sisters an easy choice at the time.
    But heartbreak was part of what made relationships a thrill—taking that risk. She didn’t usually shy away. The rush of emotion—the feeling of free falling—made diving in for another chance worthwhile.
    Or maybe that was her muse hungering for more tragedy.
    “You’re really quiet. Did John say something to upset you?” He glanced her way, then back to the street. “He really is a good guy, but he’s protective.”
    Mel reached across to rest her hand on his thigh. “He’s definitely that. He told me you’re not a relationship guy and if I get angry and report you, you could get in trouble with the department because you questioned me as a witness.”
    He rested a hand over hers. “Ever since I met you, keeping it professional has been practically impossible.”
    “So it’s true.”
    “Which part?”
    “You could get in trouble for seeing me.”
    He raised her hand to his lips, brushing a kiss to her knuckles. “I can handle a little trouble. How about you?”
    Scars and a thrill seeker. Gods help her…
    She smiled, looking over at him. “No risk, no reward, right?”
    He squeezed her hand and released it as he pulled into the parking lot behind Gracie’s. He parked beside her car and turned to her. “I need to chase down this witness with John. Can I call you later?”
    Mel nodded. “I’d like that.”
    “Good.” His smile faded. “Until I find out who was trying to blow up the theater, I’m going to assume it’s connected to your roommate’s attacker. Stay with Callie. Be safe.”
    She opened the door. “I will.”
    Mel got in her car and turned on the engine and the headlights. Nate waited, and then followed her out of the lot. He may not have thought he’d be a good pick for a Guardian, but he was dead wrong.

    He walked down the white runner toward their leader. His robed brothers and sisters cheered his approach, encouraging him forward. His breath echoed behind the thick mask. When he reached the platform, he removed the hood of his robe. Their leader anointed his head with oil before placing a laurel wreath over his hair.
    He turned to face the Order. They were a small group, twelve souls representing the twelve original Titans. And with their help, the children of Gaia would once again be free and bring about the Golden Age of Man. No more human wars or strife. No egos, no famine, only milk and honey.
    But first they needed to stop the daughters of Zeus. The muses could inspire the human race, bringing about new technologies that would eliminate the need to dig into the earth’s core, into the prison in which Kronos had