Gideon couldn’t lie. He shrugged. “Just accept my apology and let’s be done with it.”
“So, I didn’t actually do anything then? Is that what you are saying?” He kept his eyes on Gideon who shook his head. “You blindsided me. I didn’t know you could hit like that. I knew you were good but you’re better than just good.”
Lazarus gave a soft chuckle. “Tell me about her. How do you even know her or are you just taken with her beauty?” He asked, keeping his voice low.
“It’s not like that.” Gideon glanced at the male next to him. “There is not much to tell.”
“You males and your it’s not like that statements. You do realize that when you say it’s not like that it actually really is like that? The seemingly innocent words, not much, also imply that there is something.”
Gideon shook his head, he didn’t want to have this conversation. Not with Lazarus, not with anyone for that matter. “Not this time. It really isn’t like that. Please just accept my apology and let’s move on.”
“It doesn’t take major intelligence to figure out that you hit me because you were jealous. That female was touching my arm and we were talking. You must’ve seen us and taken it the wrong way.”
“I didn’t take anything the wrong way.” Gideon growled, instantly regretting the outburst and the rush of jealousy that came with it. He hated that he felt this way over Jenna. Fucking hated it.
This time when Lazarus laughed he felt like punching him. “That particular female…” Lazarus paused and Gideon was forced to bite back a growl. He ground his teeth together instead.
Lazarus grinned. “Jenna I believe her name is.”
This time Gideon couldn’t help but to growl at Lazarus. It only made the male laugh all the louder. Gideon felt his hands curl into fists and so he shoved them into his pockets.
“Relax, bro.” Lazarus tapped him on the shoulder. “There isn’t anything between Jenna and I. She is the only human female that is not afraid of me. If it is any conciliation, not only is she not interested in me, but she is not interested in any of the others either. Not that the information will do you any good. The humans are off limits to anyone but the ten victorious elite.” The male made a snorting sound. “You will have to try out for the next round of positions. There will be more females.”
Gideon worked hard at schooling his emotions. “I don’t want a human female. Certainly not…that particular female.” He couldn’t bring himself to say Jenna’s name. “Or any other for that matter. Human females are too different from us vampires. I do not believe that we are compatible long term.”
“Oh, that’s why you didn’t hit me. Maybe I imagined the whole thing.” He rubbed his jaw. Sarcasm dripped off of every word.
“I told you that it isn’t like that.”
“You already have my opinion on that particular saying.” Lazarus raised his eyebrows.
“I’ve said my piece and I’m leaving now.” Gideon glanced at his watch. “I’m about to be late for a meeting with Brant. I need to debrief him on last night’s incident as well as on the security upgrades.”
Lazarus gave a half smile. “Yeah, after York’s little break-in into the human accommodations.” The male snorted. “He is another male famous for saying things like…it isn’t like that…all of you are in denial if you ask me.” He shook his head. “Anyway, you had better get out of here, you don’t want to be late.”
Gideon finally managed to find it in himself to smile back and then he turned and headed back towards the stairs that would take him to the North Tower.
“Gideon!” Lazarus yelled behind him.
Gideon sucked in a deep breath. “Yeah?” He said as he turned.
“I’m here if you need to talk.”
Gideon nodded once and turned away, headed back towards the stairs. As if. There was nothing to discuss. Jenna was never going to happen. Even if by some miracle she managed to actually convince him that she hadn’t immediately shacked up with another male after swearing to love him always.
He could still remember how her lashes glinted in the sun. How her tears had coursed down her cheeks that day that he had broken it off with her. He gave a small shake of the head, moving more quickly. Thing was, even if she did manage to convince him, any type of relationship with her would be forbidden. No. He needed her gone and as soon as possible.
Gideon rapped on the door to his king’s suite. It took about a minute for the door to open. His queen smiled at him, the royal heir was draped over her shoulder and she patted his back in soft, even strokes. Tanya smiled. “Come on in.” She gestured to the sofa. “Please, take a seat.”