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“What about a kiss?” Playing coy is alhs weren’t on fire for him
“That’s a strong offer,et to choose the location and duration of said kiss”
My knees go weak, but he holds me in place “That’s, um” Is it hot in here? “I—”
“So, it’s agreed then?”
I can’t seeainst this”
“Against pleasuring you with ree to it I’ll take my payment up front, of course”
“Of course,” I squeak
“Agree” He tilts my chin up so I can’t hide from him
Even the Ancestors kno badly I want this I won’t say no, not when he’s already looking at ree”
He liftsto one knee, he pushesAnd now it’s mine”
Everything inside oes up in flames “You don’t waste any ti—”
A loud pounding sounds at the makeshift front door, and a male yells “Open up by order of Lord Zatran!”
Gareth snarls and yanks my skirt down as Nemar rushes out of a side room, his face pale
“Hide!” he hisses as he hurries to the door The pounding continues, and danger salts the air
Before I can protest, Gareth throwshallway
Eldra rushes toward us and points to a dark room at the end of the corridor, and Gareth carries rate in the wall
“What is this?” Gareth hurries to it
The grate et in”
Gareth thrusts rate and creeps fro the door behind her
I squint in the dark “What is goin—”
Siler to her lips as heavy footsteps—lots of them—sound on the tiled floor
“We had a report of a disturbance”
“No, no problehs
“What happened to you then?”
“I … fell”
Gareth’s grip on htens Chastain truly is a shit liar
“Fell?” More footsteps fan out along with the sounds of doors opening and closing
“Froht, you see”
“A height?” The disbelief rises with each question
“Yes, I was atteet the perfect view of the sunset, and my fool of a slave that was supposed to lift me—”
“Apologies, h the air
“This is the one who allowed you to come to such harm?” The voice sharpens
“Yes, he’s a clumsy oaf” Chastain plays the snob quite well “I only keep him around for his size It can be useful when any of et out of line”
“Master Zatran has decreed death for any slave who strikes his master”
“As he should” Chastain sniffs “Any such slave should face dire consequences However, this fool si me his head”
“M opens, and a high fae in a white uniform strides in, a curved sword at his side He sweeps the entire area with his gaze “There was a disturbance outside the market today So about that?”
“I certainly was there earlier today Had my eye on a particular slave, but her stubborn oouldn’t part with her I didn’t see a disturbance What happened, Captain Bracanda?”