“I want your help for a mission,” he said softly.
“Why me?”
“Because you’re special.”
“And what’s the mission?”
He paused, wondering if she realized she hadn’t denied her worth. “I can’t tell you that yet.”
“Then this is goodbye, Captain. I’d say it was nice knowing you, but—”
“Wait!”
He reached out to stop her, grabbing her by the wrist. He startled at how delicate it was beneath his fingers. The table between them seemed to shrink.
She jerked at the contact. But she didn’t retreat, her mouth set. “Yes, Captain?”
There was silky assuredness to her voice that caught him off guard. He recovered quickly, forcing authority into his own. “I could have you thrown right back in that cell.”
Her eyebrows lifted ever so slightly. “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“You think that matters to Fell?” He dropped her wrist and pulled her confiscated flask from his belt. “This is more than enough for him.”
For a brief second, fear flashed against those brewing storms. But then she smirked up at him, a realization dawning in her eyes. “You need me.”
He opened his mouth to deny it, but nothing came out.
Nes’s grin widened, dancing devilishly over her lips. “Desperately.”
He cleared his throat and took a step away from her, but still no answer came. Any answer would damn him. His nonanswer was already damning enough.
“Tell me what this mission is, what you plan on giving me in exchange, then maybe—maybe—I’ll consider joining you.”
His heart was the only thing left in his body capable of movement. He felt snared by her, afraid if he dared look away, she’d pounce.
“The mission is to apprehend someone,” he said.
Nes groaned. She pushed herself up from the table, sauntering over. “I need more than that, Cap.”
His throat had all but dried out and he swallowed hard. “That’s all you get.”
“Why aren’t you putting together a more professional team? As the Prince’s Crown, shouldn’t you have the entire King’s Guard at your command?”
“I’d like for this mission to remain discreet.”
She held a hand close to her chest, running her thumb over the tips of her fingers. “Discreet, huh?”
“Yes.” Maybe this was a bad idea. This girl made him want to drink. “Will you help me or not?”
“Easy there, Captain.” Her voice turned teasing, soft and low.
She leaned in, breath hot at the base of his throat. It made his whole body tighten and his heart pump faster. He hoped she couldn’t hear it.
“You haven’t told me what’s in it for me.”
He cleared his throat. “Glory.”
She wrinkled her nose, her face still close. “I can do without the glory.”
