64. (DEIRK POV)

(DEIRK POV)

Dane stood up from the bar. "Well, I guess I'll leave you two to talk," he said with a smirk, heading towards the door. I watched him, wishing the floor would give way and swallow me up right then and there.

No, no, no… I wasn't ready for this. After 400 years, these feelings were the scariest thing I'd ever experienced.

Nevertheless, I tried to prepare myself for the conversation ahead.

Before leaving, Dane walked over to Percy and said, "Take it easy on him."

Percy smirked in response, and I hated how my heart fluttered at that simple look.

When Dane disappeared into the other room, Percy gently tugged me away from the barstool.

I let him, feeling strangely weak, as he wrapped his arms around my neck and pulled me into a tight hug.

I was caught off guard by the unexpected moment, frozen in his grasp. I didn't know how to respond.

Percy whispered into my ear, "I'm not playing you. Please don't say anything like that ever again."

I pulled away slightly, looking into