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Charlie chuckled and sipped at his coffee, hoping not to prolong her e eyelashes And then just like that, because it was her way, Fallon abruptly held up a hand in wave "Thanks, Charlie Creagh I’ll not be seeing ya" Grinning, she shoved her hands in her pockets and strode away out of his life forever

"M deeper into Jai’s side and resting her head on his chest They cuddled together on the couch, the fire roaring in the fireplace, an actionacross the screen Trey was off so them a little peace and quiet before tomorrow’s party Caroline Roe had decided that the best way to bring The Guild back together was to enjoy the festivities and have a New Year’s Eve party

Jai and Ari were not exactly looking forward to the party Neither felt like they’d caught up on the sleepthe Jinn queen to her knees

Jai’s arhtened around Ari’s shoulder and he kissed her forehead, content in a way he didn’t think he’d ever been before "I wish" His eyes slid back to the television screen as James Bond kicked ass in his very nice suit

Jai wondered if he could get aith hunting in a three-piece suit and then i bills alone

"Are you enjoying thethe movie?"

"Yeah, baby," he answered a little distractedly as the fight sequence escalated "Aren’t you?"

"Mer trailed down the center of his stoer interested in the on-screen action He watched her hand as it descended and his breathing shallowed "I just thought maybe since we’re alone--" She hadn’t even finished the sentence and Jai had her on her back, his mouth on hers, his hands on her body

Jai was in theJai reluctantly jerked his head up You have got to be kiddingthe doorbell at this tirimly, her cheeks flushed from his attentions "I definitely feel a Jinn out there"

"Well, that could be anybody," he gru his clothes as Ari swung her legs off the couch

"Sorry I can’t be more specific," she answered dryly

"I didn’ther jaw as he passed her

"Wait for h the slass and immediately froze at who he saw on the other side

"You have got to be kiddinga step back

"Jai," Ari sounded worried now, "Jai, who is it?"

He turned his head to look at her and answered al a question "My father"

Catching the surprise on her face, Jai gave her his worst reassuring s the door open

Luca Bitar stood before theuy, an older version of Jai "Father," Jai said, using the ter here?"

"Can I co from Jai to Ari, his request put to the both of the back to Ari

Whatever you want

He stepped aside "Come in"

Luca seemed to exhale with relief and stepped inside, his presence still inti "I drove here," he infor roo the house

"You drove all the way fro "Decided I could use the ti to a seat, Jai waited for Luca to sit Ari re as aard as Jai felt

"Can I get you coffee or water or …?" she asked, shrugging

Luca smiled up at her "I’m okay, Ari, thank you"

"Jai?"

"I’ her beside hi his hand onto her lap as she sat close He turned back to his dad "So why are you here?"

Luca studied the two of the that he liked what he saw

"Dad?"

Clearing his throat, the elder Ginnaye sat up in his chair and drew a deep breath "This is … I’m not even sure how to start or what to say In the end, I don’t think there’s anything I can say to erase the past or to erasenohy Luca was here and feeling that awful, faht of unworthiness press down on his chest, Jai squeezed Ari’s hand, probably hurting her She didn’t cohter

"All I can say is, I’ in Jai’s head like shrapnel "I’m sorry for what I did and didn’t do, and I’h"

Everyone sat silent, the room thick with tension