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too late for that, little mouse

A second message lands before I can breathe.

especially when you look at me like you want another kiss

For one sharp second, the corridor blurs at the edges, the band biting hot against my wrist. Somehow, that's worse than the message.

He knew exactly what I was thinking, and I have absolutely no idea what I'm supposed to do about that.

11

CIARAN

"What was that about?" Rafe asks as we head down the stairs into the Undercrypt.

"What?"

He snorts and shoulders past me, grinning as the noise from the pit rises around us. "Oh, come on. Don't take me for a fucking dumbass."

I follow him down into the heat and noise, the air already thick with sweat, liquor, and blood-money adrenaline.

Rafe glances back at me. "That the guy your dad asked you to watch out for? That pretty kid with the golden hair and all those freckles?"

"Careful," I grumble.

He barks out a laugh. "That obvious, huh?"

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to."

We barely make it to the rail before a voice cuts across the room.

"Well, if it isn't Caervast's favorite spoiled bastard."

I turn and find Adrian slouched near the betting table, glass in one hand, already too drunk to stand straight.

Rafe mutters, "Ah. There's the headache."

Adrian lifts his drink toward me. "You lose your little pet already, Virel?"

"Oh, shit." Rafe chuckles. "He really has a death wish."

I take one step forward and flick my fingers against his chin. "You should watch your mouth."

Adrian scowls, eyes flashing. "Or what? People like you always think you're untouchable. My family learned that lesson the expensive way."

Enough people turn to look that I feel the shift in the room.

"You don't own him, Virel."

I show him more teeth. "Keep talking and we'll both find out how much patience I have."

He drains the rest of his glass and shoves it back onto the table. "Tell you what. I just lost a damn fortune because the idiot in the pit couldn't finish a clean hit, and now I've got to stand here listening to you act like you own the room."

Rafe exhales through his nose. "This should go well."

Adrian points at me. "You want to posture, fine. Get in the ring with me next time."