Her gaze drifted to the exposed area. “No scales, huh? So, if I ever get really mad at you, that’s my target?”
His eyes widened with alarm, and he hoped she was jesting. “No! Please, that’s not an invitation!”
“Darn it,” Polly exclaimed, her grin wicked as she theatrically snapped her fingers. “There goes my secret plan for world domination.”
Erzo raised an eyebrow. “You are joking, right? About world domination, I mean.”
Polly nodded. “Oh, honey, you got whacked on the noggin’ way harder than I thought.”
She moved around the bed. As she settled next to Erzo, he couldn’t help but stare. There was something about her relaxed demeanor, the way her smile seemed to light up the entire room, that washed over him like a balm. Her presence was like a soothing salve on his frayed nerves.
It was fascinating, really. He’d never considered himself a man wound tight, but with Polly, he realized just how much tension he’d been carrying. And now, in her company, it was as if it melted away.
Making herself comfortable, Polly crossed her legs with the elegance of a queen claiming her throne. She brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, a simple gesture that somehow managed to be both endearingly clumsy and effortlessly graceful.
“Seriously, though,” Polly said, her eyes twinkling with mirth, “if you start seeing double or forget your name, I’m hauling your big green butt straight to the medic.”
Erzo chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. “My ‘big green butt’ appreciates your concern.”
Polly leaned forward. “So, Mr. Mysterious, who were those rough-and-tumble guys back there?”
“Mercenaries, in the flesh,” Erzo replied, his expression hardening.
“Does this have anything to do with that whole betrothal drama you mentioned?” Her tone was light, but her gaze was sharp.
“Most likely,” Erzo said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Can’t think of anyone else who’d have a beef with me. Haven’t ended anyone in a while.”
Her eyebrow arched skyward. “Recently? Is ‘ending people’ a regular hobby for you?”
Erzo sighed. “Let’s just say I was raised in the family business of doing the dirty work. You know, the usual stuff—theft, piracy, the odd assassination. All in a day’s work.”
Polly snorted. “And here I thought you were just a ruggedly handsome miner.”
“I am, now. Left the mercenary gig and joined the Mining Guild. Turns out I’m pretty good with rocks and people.”
Polly’s sarcasm was thick as molasses. “Clearly.”
Erzo’s gaze softened. “I didn’t want that life. Couldn’t do it anymore. My family, they’re deep in that world, but it’s not for me.”
“So what’s their deal? Loyal to the highest bidder?” Polly asked.
“Pretty much. It’s all about the coin and the clan. My father is like the big boss, making sure everyone’s in line and making a profit.”
“So, he’s like a king?” Polly’s tone was half teasing, half serious.
“He’s the clan leader, so yes, in a matter of being.”
Polly shook her head in disbelief. “Are you the heir apparent, then? Is that why he’s setting you up with Breal?”
“No,” Erzo replied, his voice heavy. His head throbbed again, and he massaged his temples.
“Oh, I’m sorry. You need to rest. I’ll let you be,” Polly said as she started to get up.
Erzo reached out. “You don’t have to go.”
“I don’t want to overstay my welcome,” Polly said, a hint of reluctance in her voice.
“You’re not a bother,” Erzo insisted, a sincere note in his voice. “Actually, I have something for you.”
