Vera and I exchange a glance.
“Fair point,” Vera says. “Then why did you seek us out and tell us this information?”
“I’m really enjoying having this intense intimate moment with you, Phoenix,” Sparkle Boy says to me, looking down at the blade against his throat. “But how about you remove this bad boy from my neck and we have a pleasant conversation without me worrying about your hand accidentally slipping?”
I shove him into the wall. “Stop. Talking.”
Vera sighs. This guy is unbearable. Did Daegel hire him to talk me to death?
She walks away from us. I glance at her over my shoulder. She wanders over to the window on the opposite side of the room.
When I don’t let go, Sparkle Boy looks past my shoulder at Vera. “Gorgeous in a pink suit, how about you help me out here? I’m on your side.”
“Vera. To you, I’m Vera. Not gorgeous, pretty, lovely,dear,” Vera says calmly. Yet, even I don’t miss a threat in her tone. “That’s not up to me. You will have to try your luck again and convince the soldier girl here yourself.”
Sparkle Boy turns to me. “Listen, I’m sorry for offending you. I didn’t mean a word of what I said. I just get nervous, and when I get nervous I talk a lot and I say stupid shit.” He spills the words like beans. His voice is full of pleading as if he means it. I don’t believe him for a second. He’s slick as an eel. “I’m your friend. Why else do you think I would risk my life coming to you with this information? Only a fool would cross the Talbot family.”
“That’s true,” Vera says from where she stands by the window. “So, let me ask you again—what are your intentions here?”
I release him and take a step back. But I don’t sheathe my blade yet.
Sparkle Boy rubs his neck and then curtsies. “Thank you, Phoenix darling.”
“Call me that again and see what happens,” I say. He only smirks at the threat. “Now speak, for fuck’s sake. We don’t have all night.”
I still have a crowd to charm. This asshole is wasting our time.
“Ah, you ladies are no play. Only business,” he says, fixing his suit. He runs a hand over his hair, and the gems of the rings on his fingers catch the light. “I’m here because I very much despise Daegel Talbot. He has something that’s very precious to me and I want it back. So, I figured you two will be my best chance to get it back. I help you win, you kill Daegel to win the trials, he’s not my problem anymore. We’re all happy and have what we want. Works like a charm.”
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” I murmur.
He winks. “Exactly.”
Vera approaches us. “Apart from telling us Daegel wants Phoenix out, what else do you have to offer us?”
“I’m charming. That comes in handy.”
I snort. “Charming. Yeah, right.”
His eyes are full of mischief. “Just because my charms don’t work on you doesn’t mean they don’t work. Anyhow, I’m good at many things. I can scheme, lie, steal, and I’m exceptionally good at playing cards. However, the best thing I can do for you is offer direct access to your enemy. Right now, Daegel thinks I’m on his side. So, use me, ladies.”
I glance at Vera. She’s considering his offer. I can’t believe this. This man is slick, and insulting. No way we can trust him. I don’t even know if I believe the shit he’s saying about Daegel.MyDaegel.
“Alright. I’ll consider it,” Vera finally says. “Let’s see if you can be useful. However, if I catch you lying to us, or I find you trying to do anything to sabotage Phoenix…well, let’s just say Talbots won’t be your biggest issue.”
Sparkle Boy raises his palms in the air defensively. “I only have the most honorable intentions towards Phoenix. You have my word, no harm will come her way.”
“Mm-hmm,” Vera murmurs, giving him a once-over. “Your name?”
“Jax Kregger.” The crooked smile is back on his lips. “It’s an honor to finally introduce myself to you, properly. I’ve heard so much about the famous Vera D’Argent. You’re quite a celebrity around here.”
Vera doesn’t bother with an answer. She jerks her chin at me. “We’ve wasted enough time as is. Let’s go back to the ball to continue our networking efforts.” Vera turns to Jax. “As for you, Mr. Kregger. Next time I see you, you better have something useful to share with me about Daegel and his plans for winning the trials. If you can’t prove useful, then I have no use for this alliance.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
PHOENIX
I sneak out of Vera’s studio way before the dawn. The streets of Jaakii are dark and empty, even Bussek finally asleep.
