For the first time last night, I’d reached out to someone and tried to make an actual connection when the world felt too heavy. And he’d repaid me with lies and manipulation.
Hell, he’d been lying to me from the very beginning about who he was—hehadto have been. There were too many inconsistencies in his story. Too many facts that didn’t add up. And now that I saw them, I couldn’t unsee them.
I fucking hated liars and double-dealers. Half the reason I didn’t get close to people was so I wouldn’t have to lie about what I did. So I should want nothing more than to toss Jett out of the villa on his ear.
And still—still—when Jett begged me to believe that he was on my side, part of me genuinely wanted to.
And when he’d thought I might have had something to do with the explosion at the plant near the Kiel Canal, I’d been panicked with the need to convince him I hadn’t.
So much for keeping things simple with a man who wouldn’t require explanations or excuses from me. So much for not being distracted.
I refused to waste another minute thinking about any of that. Not when there was an operation being carried out. Not when there was a potential double-dealer on the Paxis Council. I knew what my priorities needed to be.
“I need your help today,” I said abruptly, stalking out of the bathroom fully dressed.
Jett was still sitting on my bed, still looking shell-shocked and uncertain. I ached to hold him, to murmur reassurances… but they would have been lies.
Head in the game, Locke.
Jett looked at me with suspicion but nodded once.
“Keep checking my phone and email while I’m in the game room. If any news comes in on a ship called theMV Helvig Staror anything involving Nyborg, I need to know about it.”
I could tell he wanted to ask why, but he didn’t. He simply nodded and moved off to his room to shower and dress.
After notifying the group of an earlier start to the morning’s game session, I quickly dressed and found Concetta to request coffee and pastries in the game room.
When I got in there, the only person who’d arrived before me was al-Qadiri. His warm smile welcomed me as I took my seat. “Locke! I am glad you called an early start.”
I blew out a breath, shrugging off my concerns about the situation with Jett, and felt the familiar ease of Saleem’s company.
Saleem al-Qadiri was one of the players here I could trust. Like Selene, al-Qadiri’s family had always made a point to extend their friendship to my grandfather beyond the game and the council.
“It’s strange not having Mehmet here,” I said, making small talk while we waited for the others.
He made a dismissive flicking gesture with his hand. “My father-in-law is better off at home. His physical health is not good.” His smile faded. “I worry he is declining cognitively as well.”
It was a strange comment. While Liyana’s father had required hip replacements that had hindered his travel, his cognition had never been in question. “Has he been ill?”
“No, no. Simply old and stubborn. When he’s not ruling his empire, he likes puttering around his home and his gardens where he can pretend the world hasn’t changed in twenty years.”
“Ah.”
Saleem smiled. “Liyana is a kind and patient daughter who reminds me that sometimes it’s difficult for us men as we age. We become set in our ways and only see the world from one perspective. Especially when we don’t have a partner to open our eyes.”
I nodded politely, my thoughts turning to Jett.Again.
He was right that Jett had opened my eyes. Had made me realize that I really wished I had someone I could trust. But now everything felt up in the air and out of control.
“What about the young man you’re with,” Saleem asked as if reading my thoughts. He watched me closely, gauging my reaction.
I frowned and hoped he couldn’t see how the innocent comment made my pulse race. “Are you referring to my assistant? I’m notwithhim in the way you’re implying.” I imbued the words with as much power and persuasion as I ever had before.
He held up both hands. “Easy. It is okay if you are. Do not make assumptions about Qadara, habibi. We accept people’s differences more than you may expect.”
While that was reassuring, I was no longer concerned with Saleem or any of the council members learning that I was sleeping with a man.
I was more concerned that letting anyone know Jett was important to me might risk his safety, especially if it was true that someone had betrayed the council.
