A pale hand came into view, taking the cup from her.
Hacinda sat on the bed, her expression strained.
“One last drop,” she said. “And then I don’t owe them anything anymore.”
“You keep saying that,” the voice responded, “and year after year goes by. It’s time for you to just—”
“Enough,” Hacinda said, her voice cracking.
Lucius felt he was watching something intimate.
Who was this male? How long had she been working for the Brotherhood?
“What do they have you doing this time?” the male asked, his words pained.
“Nothing I can’t handle,” she replied low. “Now, getsome rest.”
She leaned over, dipping out of view, and Lucius heard the faint sound of a kiss.
“I love you,” the male voice said.
“And I will always love you,” Hacinda responded.
She left the room, closing the door.
Lucius stood there, gripping the lattice, feeling utterly confused.
All this time, he had assumed Hacinda had betrayed him for monetary reasons.
But what if there was something more?
He climbed down the lattice and stood there, unsure of what to do.
If Hacinda was being forced to work for the Brotherhood and she had no choice but to turn him in . . .
Lucius’s mind played over the different scenarios as he tried to recall every conversation he had shared with her when they had whispered secrets late at night.
He couldn’t remember her ever talking about her family or loved ones.
Was this someone who had always been in her life?
Knowing he wouldn’t get any more answers today, he decided to stop at the chocolatier and get Tavia more chocolate. The sun was close to setting, and he had been gone most of the day.
He was sure his restless thief would not be happy.
But Lucius hadn’t expected to find Hacinda during his travels today, and now that he had, he was completely unsure of what to do next.
CHAPTER TEN
Tavia had never sat this still since she was a youngling, and the silence was beginning to drive her impatience into reckless territory.
Lucius was not there when she awoke, and though she wanted to run out into the city, she didn’t want to get lost and then be unable to find her way back here. But she also couldn’t sit still.
So, she took another bath and wrapped herself back in Lucius’ comfy robe.
After rummaging through the food that Lucius had left, she walked into his bedroom, curious to see what she could find.
He had artwork on the walls—paintings of landscapes. His extravagant bed was covered in fluffyblankets and pillows. There was a sitting area and an oversized wardrobe, but no closet full of female clothes. Tavia wondered if this place was a secret he kept all to himself.
