I kissed the blade as well, and then turned to my companions."Monrill Tonrath, attend me," I said formally.When Tonrath stood in front of me, I began ...o speak."I base this ritual on one belonging to an ancient people of my homeland. They are not my ancestors, but their descendants share the land with my people. By the ancient ritual, two men otherwise unrelated become brothers; by the ritual I create today, they become one soul."I held up my right hand, palm towards Tonrath, and said, "Repeat. Her mother noticed too and told her at least twice to put a shirt on, but she never did get the hint, and that was fine with me.As I was trying to figure out how I could whisk her away from here and get her all alone, the whole situation sorted itself out for me. Gracie’s mom, who had joined us for lunch, announced that she was going shopping or some such thing and Gracie would be going with her. One down. Then Ben told us that he had some pointless project he was working on with another friend. I put my bag in the bed of the truck and opened the door for Alice and closed it after her. I noticed just how fresh and real she smelled as she stepped onto the stair and into the truck. We arrived at the club just after ten pm; I set her up at a table in the back so she wouldn’t be getting hit on. I told Debbie the waitress that anything she wanted I’d pay for, and to keep an eye on her for me. She said she’d let Tiny know as he was on the door tonight and he’d keep her safe. Tiny was a very. They all had their qualities.'' I told her.''Yeah, and who was the one that had to listen to you enjoying those qualities?'' she asked.''You're going to go there? How about that time I caught you sending pictures of your perfect ass to that idiot Ian? Or when I heard your headboard banging against the wall with Liam?''She started smiling, ''You were jealous? I didn't send Ian a picture of my ass. I knew you were peaking through the door so I gave you a view!'' she said with a little laughter..