A scowl pulls at my face as I remember the fact he forgot to mention he’s sleeping with my sister. Seems like a pretty big thing to forget, considering he asked me to help him take her down. What the hell does he need me for? He’s got to be closer to her than I am at this point. I sigh and lean back in my squeaky office chair, looking up when Sam lets out a little choked noise.
“He’s here!” Poor Sam’s voice is wobbly with nerves, and I work to smooth my face before Kier enters the room. This will be strainedenough without me glaring at him before anyone has a chance to exchange insincere pleasantries. The door glides open, and the prince’s intimidating presence fills the room. He doesn’t bother to look at us as he takes a seat at the head of the small work table in our break room. His nose scrunches with distaste, and I smirk. If he wanted fancier accommodations, he should have specified.
“Let’s get straight to it then, shall we? I’d rather not tarry any longer than necessary.” He pulls a file out of the inside of his suit coat, and I raise a brow at his bold utilization of a black market pocket charm. He opens the file and tosses us copies of his proposal. “Right, these are the basic legal restrictions that will be required going forward. Look them over. If you have any questions or concerns, voice them if you must. If you have any objections, I don’t care.”
I look up and meet his eyes, glaring at him. “This is supposed to be a proposal meeting.”
He arches a brow with a look of practiced innocence on his features, “I propose we institute these measures, or I propose you find another donor. There, how’s that?”
I open my mouth, but Sam quickly pipes up, “This is fine!” He chuckles nervously as his eyes dart between Kier and me. “I’m sure these measures will work in our best interest, and I’m positive your generous support will allow us to make thisdecade-long project a reality.” He levels me with a look to emphasize his point, silently begging that I play nice.
I hate it, but I can also grudgingly admit that we’re unlikely to find another donor who can fully fund the project…and more than that, someone who can do itnow.The faster we get this funding, the more innocent lives we can save. Little girls like Eilidh, who deserve to live a life free of pain and hospitals.Godsdamnit.I can feel my face flamingwith the heat of my barely contained anger, and maybe just a smidge of embarrassment, although I’d never admit that out loud.
My nostrils flare as I drag my eyes from Sam to Kier, who is sporting a self-satisfied grin that only deepens my flush. With every ounce of self-control that I possess, I swallow down my retorts and turn my focus back to the paper in front of me.
Restrictions on persons with criminal backgrounds, restrictions on the number of transfers per client, and clauses that disallow the transfer of souls via outside vessels (soul stones). Non-disclosure agreements for all personnel and lab technicians who know enough to sell secrets to the black market. The more I read, the more prominent the ache in my gut gets. How thefuckdid I not think of these sorts of precautions before? These are all really good, important measures—incredibly helpful, even. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, my shoulders drooping some as I nod my head. Kier's piercing black eyes are boring into me as I urge myself to meet his stare.
“Fine.” My throat feels tight as I choke out the word. My fingers reach for my necklace again, leaning into the comfort it lends me. Kier's eyes drop to it automatically, glinting with interest. Unease coils in my belly, and I grab the pendant in my hand, hiding it from his intense scrutiny.
Sam stands abruptly and claps his hands, “Oh, wonderful! Oh, this is wonderful news. I’ll go and scan this over to administration, and they’ll see to setting up a formal signing in.” With that, he quickly grabs his things and makes his way toward the door. Probably trying to get it done as fast as he can before I change my mind.
“Ryn…” Sam hesitates at the door, glancing nervously at Kier and then back to me.
“You can leave, Vesalius. I have some personal business with Miss Nox to discuss before I can depart.” Kier scrolls through his phone, voice drenched in boredom.
“Okay, Yes. Of course.” Sam nods once and smiles at me tentatively. Despite my frustration, I force myself to smile weakly back at him. It seems to be good enough reassurance, because with that, he quickly exits the room. As the door closes behind him, the air suddenly feels very thick.
I purse my lips, wondering if I have enough patience to play long, drawn-out mind games with him. After about ten seconds of deliberation I decide that, no, I really don’t.
“You’re fucking my sister.”
A corner of his mouth quirks, “I am.”
“You didn’t think to mention it?” My saccharine tone is the only indication of how annoyed I truly am.
“I hardly think it’s your business.” He’s trying to goad me. I know he is, but still, the flare of indignation is too intense to ignore.
“Not my business? You asked me for help with my sister—who you know I’m estranged from—meanwhile you’ve been balls deep in her, and you don’t think that’s a fucking conflict of interest?”
He puts down his phone and leans forward, one hand moving up to cup his cheek as he tilts his head, “Hmm, not unless you’d like me to beballs deepin your cunt as well.”
His words have the desired effect, as a flush of anger colors my complexion almost instantly. My necklace vibrates against my skin, somehow grounding me enough to keep it together.
“I’d rather die," I spit back.
“Mmm, yes, but that’s the fun thing about necromancers, darling; being dead doesn’t really matter, does it?” His eyes gleam with something I can’t decipher as my stomach lurches at his words.
Oh gods.He can't be serious. I know he's a devious, disgusting fiend, but somehow I can't bring myself to believe he'd really stoop so low.
“What do you want, Kier?” My voice is only marginally shaky, and I almost sigh with relief. I cannot afford to let him know how much he unsettles me. People like him can sense weakness like bloodhounds, and once they get the scent, they go in for the kill.
“Saskia’s office was broken into, and she reports that she suffered quite the setback. Her official report to the Unseelie Court was rather creative…accusing you of the crimes, of course, with the help of shadow magic and a cursed amulet.” His eyes settle on my necklace again, and the hair on the back of my neck stands up.
“Well, that’s ridiculous. I-I never left the court.”
“Of course not. I wouldn’t dream of accusing you of such a lofty heist. However, I’m afraid I did have to implicate your little boy toy. Can’t let an official report go without any leads, you see.” His eyelashes flutter, and he purses his lips, the picture of disinterested calm.
“Seth? Is that why he's missing? You fuckingasshole!You askedmefor help!” I leap to my feet and slam my arms down on the table in front of me, “Undo it. Blame me and fucking undo it.”
