Everything about his expression was alert and focused. “What did you find out?”
He listened intently as I quickly gave him the breakdown, everything from a substance similar to Devil’s Breath to who I suspected might own this place.
When I was finished, the line of his jaw had hardened. “I don’t know what substance could be used, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist and I know who owns this place. It’s not—” His gaze flicked over my shoulder and a sudden glint filled his eyes. “We’ve got company.”
Caden gripped my hand, hauling me against him. I opened my mouth, but he all but shoved my face in his chest.
“Hi there.” Caden’s deep voice rumbled through me. “Is this a welcoming party?”
I placed my hands on his waist, listening.
“We want no trouble,” someone said.
Caden’s large hand dug into my hair, holding my head in place. “I would assume not.”
“Neal wants to speak with you.”
“Is that so?” There wasn’t a response, but Caden then said, “She stays with me.”
“He just wants to speak with you.”
“And I don’t care what he wants,” Caden replied. “She stays with me.”
There was a pause and then, “Follow us.”
Caden shifted so his arm was around my shoulder, but his hand was still at the back of my head, keeping my face hidden. I caught a glimpse of two big males wearing dark shirts. I couldn’t see enough of them to figure out if they were fae or not.
We were led to the back of the bar, through a narrow hall and then a door was opened.
“He’ll be with you momentarily,” one of the males said and then the door closed behind us.
Caden’s hand slipped off the back of my head, and I got my first good look at the room. There was a booth and several unopened boxes along the other side of the wall.
“Should we be worried?” I asked, running my hand along the iron cuff.
He turned, eyeing the booth. “Not we. You.”
“What?”
“The owner? He’s not exactly a friend of mine nor is he a fan of your kind.” He knocked back a strand of hair that had fallen forward, grazing his cheek. “And I’m not talking about you being with the Order. He’s not a huge fan of humans.”
“That’s kind of offensive.” I glanced at the door.
“Yeah, well, it’s too late to get you out of here. If he gets a real good look at you, he’ll know you’re with the Order.”
I started to frown. “How will he know?”
“He just will.”
Who was the guy that was coming?
“You’re going to have to pretend like you like me.”
“I don’t know if I can do that.” I turned to him.
“Do you think all the fae are as stupid as the three you managed to kill?” He glared at me, and surprise flickered through me. “They will figure it out. This one will definitely figure it out.”
I waved him off and started to turn, but the sound of voices on the other side of the door grew close.
