““With a deep laugh, Simon moved to stand ready with Kat and Roach. He draped his arm around Kat, who shook his head at him and rolled his eyes. “I should have known it was you.” “Aye, you should have. You’ll never be hearing the end of it now. Didn’t even miss me or ask after me.… And I saw the way you were eyeing Bart in me absence. Don’t think I didn’t. There’ll be the devil to pay later over that, mark me words.” Kat jerked his head toward Bane. “’Tis the other Devyl we have to pay right now that be worrying me most, me love.” Simon wrapped his arm around Kat’s shoulders and pulled him close so that he could kiss the side of his head. “No worries. Ain’t no one getting their hands on you but me. They’ll have to come through me first.” He unsheathed his sword and used his powers to ignite the blade.””
