It was true – Mathias’ assassins didn’t make obvious kills. If a bodywasfound, it was likely poisoned. Otherwise, there was only blood. It was his own sick calling card of sorts.
‘Narina says he spoke often of playing cards near the docks. Do you suspect he owed money?’
It was likely. Ronan’s thirst for booze, sex, and money weren’t exactly a secret. She certainly wasn’t surprised to hear he had a standing appointment with a courtesan.
Mathias took her silence as confirmation. ‘Well then, I suggest you look to the gamblers. It wouldn’t be the first time those lowlifes caused trouble.’
‘That’s rich coming from you,’ she retorted.
He pushed himself off the wall, taking her chin in his hand. Aya’s skin crawled as he tilted it up towards his. ‘I, my dear, am a gentleman. I don’t cheat my way into money,’ he said with lethal softness.
‘No. You just kill for it.’ She ripped her face from his grasp and backed away. ‘I appreciate the tip, Mathias. We’ll be investigating the matter ourselves. You can expect to hear from us should we find your proof to be insufficient.’
‘I expect nothing less from those trusted with ourprotection. Especially when a Royal Guard member was harmed. Whatdoesthat mean for the safety of us average citizens?’ He gave a mocking bow. ‘Happy Dawning, my dear. Gods be with you.’ And then he was gone, whistling as he strolled back through the winding alley that would lead to the celebration.
11
There wasn’t enough liquor in the world to make Will want to stay at this festival a moment longer. The redhead he’d been talking to – Sara, if he remembered correctly – had been pawing at him for over an hour, begging him for a dance. Now that he’d finally pulled her into the square, he couldn’t figure out how to leave without causing a scene.
She whispered something in his ear, her breath hot and sticky, but his focus was on the alleyway that Aya was storming out of. She stalked to the drinks table, grabbed a glass of amber liquor, and downed it in one.
Clearly Mathias had pissed her off.
Will turned his attention back to the woman in his arms.
Zena, not Sara.
Honestly, he couldn’t remember. He’d been distracted when she’d whispered her name in what he was sureshethought was a sultry tone.
‘Are you even listening to me?’
‘Of course,’ he said smoothly, plastering a smile on his face. He let his arms band tighter around her and she grinned, quickly contented.
If only everybody could be soothed that easily.
‘I need a word.’
Will tensed as Aya appeared at his shoulder, looking like she wanted to murder someone. Zena – Sara – glared at her, her grip on Will tightening possessively. ‘As you can see, Aya love, I’m a little busy.’
A high-pitched giggle bubbled from the woman’s lips as he pulled her closer.
The disgust that flickered across Aya’s face mirrored his own at the sound, but even this was better than facing down whatever fury Mathias had stoked in the spy.
Aya grabbed his arm and yanked him away from the woman. ‘And as you can see, I’m not asking. A word.Now.’
The girl grabbed for Aya, her hand skimming her cream sweater. Faster than an asp, Will stepped between them and hauled the girl back, his arms wrapped firmly around her waist as a startled yelp burst from her lips.
‘I wouldn’t do that if I were you,’ he warned, marking the way Aya’s eyes narrowed. ‘She may look harmless, but don’t let her small stature fool you. I’d hate for you to lose that hand of yours. I know I personally would be disappointed should that happen.’
The woman huffed as she marched off, her hips swinging with each brisk step.
‘She seems lovely.’
‘You wouldn’t know what lovely was if it held a knife to your throat,’ he grumbled as he stalked toward Aya, his jaw clenched.
One night of damn peace. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had it.
The music dropped into a slow, honeyed rhythm, the dancers around them folding into their partners. The flames from the torches and candles in the windows cast the square in a warm, sleepy glow, serving as the main source of light on the moonless night.
