Devin barely suppressed a wince. A flicker of pain could be seen in his eyes when he looked up, and though he was tense, there was no anger in his frame. Frustration, maybe. Confusion. Definitely uncertainty.

As if sensing Devin's displeasure, the inan rested her chin on his lap. "I will make an effort not to needle him unduly, should we encounter each other again," the vampire promised. His gaze dropped to the floor again.

Then, more quietly. "Please do not mention them again, unless I do."