“It’s a web comic.”
I looked back. “You draw?”
She nodded. “It relaxes me. My dad taught me.”
I smiled. I loved the idea of her having a creative outlet. “Impressive. Drawing is not a skill of mine.”
“I’ve been working on the comic for a while.” There was another pause, and I could tell she was wrestling with how much she wanted to say. “It’s a modern retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone.”
I knew the story well. We’d held a show based on the myth at the Avernus last year. “That’s a favorite of mine. One day, I hope you’ll show me your artwork.”
“Maybe I will.”
The phone on my desk rang. I moved over to answer it. I’d been dealing with casino business for the last few hours. Everyone was in hyperdrive as the opening of the show drew closer. As I answered the call, I felt Lark watching me. I liked having her here. It was strange, because I didn’t normally like people in my private space, except for the guys.
“Bastian.”
It was my head of catering. “Rick, what can I do for you?”
Listening to Rick drone on, I met Lark’s gaze.
I didn’t like the look in her eyes. All of this morning, she’d been eyeing me like she was wrestling with some decision. She rose and wandered to the windows.
As the voice on the call confirmed the menu for the show opening, I was done. I didn’t give a fuck what my guests ate.
“Thanks, Rick. It sounds fine. Take care of it.” I set the phone down, then walked back toward Lark. “What’s going on in that busy brain of yours?”
She wrapped her arms around her middle. “Dean is after me. Fixated on me.”
I scowled. I hated the idea of this asshole being focused on her.
She turned to face me. “So, I think it makes sense that I go.”
Every cell in my body froze. “Go?” My tone dropped to an icy level.
“He shot you, Bastian. He knows that you’re a weakness for me.”
“You’renotleaving.” I knew my voice was little more than a low roar.
She threw her arms up in the air. “You’re in danger!”
“So are you.”
She ignored that. “If I go, he’ll follow, and he’ll lose interest in you.”
I stalked closer. She felt my mood and backed up until she hit the wall. I pinned her there with my body, my hands circling the base of her throat.
“Bastian—”
“Quiet.” My voice was low, lethal. “You’re not leaving.”
She got a stubborn look on her face. One I recognized all too well.
“You’re. Not. Leaving.” I gently squeezed her throat. “We’ll take him down. Together.”
“I’m an assassin. I’ll make a plan, lure him?—”
“No, we do it together. Together, we’re stronger, and I have a whole team of retired assassins as back up.”
