Gabriel threw a coin onto the table, and two ales appeared in front of us. I worked up a smile. The ale looked about the same way the tavern did—bad. Something floated in the liquid that I chose not to identify.
The man who had delivered the mugs stood before the table, a towel over his shoulder. Gabriel held out his hand, and when the man shook it, a glint of gold passed between them.
“We’re looking for a man who may have been here last night. About your height. Brown hair, blue eyes, with a scar running beneath his chin.”
“I might know who you’re talking about. Whatcha want with him?”
“This is his sister. He hasn’t been home in a fortnight. Family is worried sick.”
The man looked as if he didn’t believe a word, and also didn’t care.
“Bad business making family worry. Bloke fitting that description was here. Bedded Tabs.” He pointed at a woman in a tight dress.
Gabriel handed over another coin. The man pocketed it in a pouch bearing a wood disc and walked to the woman.
Gabriel leaned into me. “What do my eyes say, Marietta?”
Smoky green? “They say you’re intrigued.”
“Then you are losing your touch.” Challenge entered his gaze.
I licked suddenly dry lips. “They say you are about to kiss me.”
A slow smile worked over his. “Much better.”
“But we don’t need—”
His mouth took mine. His tongue swept. His hands pulled. Never awkward or hasty. Always dominating. Always sure of himself.
He pulled away, satisfaction curving his lips as my limbs quivered and my wrist pulsed. With one maneuver he could make me come undone.
No.
Hot stubbornness surged. I grabbed the front of his shirt and yanked him forward. Doing everything he had taught me—pulling him againstmeand sending a part of myself and my magic through the kiss.
I released him, breathing heavily. He stared at me, eyes wide, shock lined in green.
“You still need me over here?” a woman’s voice asked to my right. “Rodge said you wanted to talk, but looks like you be wanting something else.”
Gabriel continued to stare at me, gaze now unreadable.
I gripped my mug.
He ripped his gaze away and motioned the woman to a seat.
“Be needing a taste of two? I can add to that.” She smirked.
“You talked to a man with a scar last night?” Gabriel’s voice was clipped.
Tabs took his measure. “Yeah. Took him home too.”
“Back to your room?”
She shrugged. “Average tumble, but most days are like that, aren’t they?” She gave him a once-over. “Other days promise a little more. Wouldn’t mind being between you both if you promise more of that display.”
I blinked.
“And after? Did he say anything about where he was headed?”
