JAX
It feels good to be needed. To work with my girls towards something greater as a team.
What an unusual feeling.
But the most lucrative thing about this whole rescue mission is causing trouble for Talbots. It’s the least Daegel Talbot deserves after forcing me to be his puppet, on and on again.
I was supposed to have my freedom back after the assassination.
Then it was after getting Phoenix kicked out of the trials.
Tomorrow, it’ll be something else.
It’ll never stop. Not unless he’s dead.
While sabotaging this business deal won’t make that happen, at least I hope I’ll cause enough trouble for them to suffer.
Petty, I know. But I never claimed to be noble.
The success of this rescue mission lies on my shoulders. It’s a lot of responsibility.
I can’t fuck this up.
As I leave colorful Bussek behind and enter the grim streets of Kozem, I roll my shoulders to ease some of the tension.
Here, nobody pays attention to you in the streets. Everyone minds their own business. Because if they won’t, there’ll be trouble.
The walk to Fox’s Lair is not long. Gamblers in Jaakii never sleep. So, of course, there are plenty of fae outside the establishment, smoking.
Those folk are curious. Or maybe I look too out of place.
I bet they don’t see such a pretty face as mine here often.
All eyes snap to me when I approach the entrance.
Ignoring their curious glances, I enter the gambling parlor.
Inside, the air is heavy. The sickly sweet scent of ipiom lingers, white tendrils of smoke curling against the low ceiling.
I scrunch my nose, my stomach churning. I’m not a fan of ipiom, or other drugs.
I’m much more a whiskey or vodka guy.
It’s been months, more than that, since I last stepped foot in this gambling parlor.
I hope Madame Mercy misses me.
From the way her sly gaze watches me from across the room, I can’t tell.
“Gadgi.Haven’t seen you for a long while,” she says.
There’s a familiar longing in the tone she uses.
I flash her my most dazzling smile. “Madame Mercy.”
I bow at my waist in front of her. She offers me her hand. I take it into mine and plant a soft kiss on the back of her palm, looking up at her through my lashes.
“It’s been too long if you ask me.”
