His expression darkened. “Remember that conversation we had about minding our own business?”
I snorted. “Yes.” I pressed a button on the machine and watched my cup fill. “And if I recall correctly, that discussion only occurred because you weren’t minding yours. In fact, it’s the only reason we’re having this conversation right now.”
Casimir sighed in frustration, and a pulse of delight shot through me.
I sipped on my espresso, smacking my lips in satisfaction. “Perhaps you ought to consider begging?”
Surprise flitted across his features, and then he released a huff of laughter. “Has anyone ever told you you’re a bit of a bitch, Farrow?”
I glared at him over my cup, concealing any traces of amusement. “Really now, is that any way to get what you want? Name-calling?”
“Alright, fine.” He yielded with a wave of his hand. “But before I tell you anything else, I’ll need some assurances.”
“And why should I give you assurances about anything?” I challenged.
He threw me an exasperated look. “Consider it a recompense for the courtesy of not spreading that rumor about you and Sinclair.”
I scowled and slumped into a chair so that he couldn’t see my expression.Asshole.
He rolled his eyes at my melodramatics before continuing. “The society I’m curious about—well—they prefer to stay secret.” He grimaced. “And they won’t take kindly to an outsider poking around asking questions.”
His evasive tone caught my attention, and I sat up swiftly. “I’m not going to give someone atThe Gargoylea salacious story, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
He shook his head. “I’m not worried about some campus gossip rag. I…” He hesitated. “I don’t want you to go looking for them.”
“Why? Are you saying they’re… what? Dangerous?” I stifled a snicker.
“Yes, Arden,” he said harshly. “That’s exactly what I’m trying to tell you.”
His mouth twisted into a frown, clearly displeased with the amount of levity with which I was treating his warning. But the idea that I should be terrified by a bunch of undergrads sitting around their dormitories playing with a Ouija board was beyond ridiculous.
Steeling myself for his reaction, I asked, “Does this society happen to involve Devereaux Graves?”
The flash of recognition that crossed his face would have been imperceptible if I hadn’t been waiting for it. My lips curled in triumph. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Casimir’s scowl only deepened.
I sighed. “Look, if you don’t want me poking around this secret society, then why not just tell me what I want to know? That way we can avoid any future… issues.”
“Are we bargaining now, Farrow?”
“No,” I replied, choosing my words carefully. “I’m just curious. I want to know?—”
“You should be careful who you make bargains with. You don’t even know me.” He was no longer smiling.
My throat went dry. “Fine,” I said flatly. “I won’t.”
“Won’t what?”
I sighed in exasperation. “Won’t golookingfor them, obviously.” I was beginning to feel uneasy about the trajectory of this conversation.
Casimir let out a frustrated huff. “Has anyone ever told you that, in addition to being a bit of a bitch, you’re also incredibly aggravating?” It wasn’t really a question.
I cast him a murderous glance, which he ignored.
“Tell me something,” he went on. “Why was your relationship with August such a secret?”
I bristled. “That’s none of your business.”