AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What?”
“You’re still shaky. A drink will help.”
“Thank you, but no. I need to figure out what I’m going to do now. But thank you for what you did - I’m sorry, what’s your name?”
“I’m Celenk, but you do not need to thank me.”
“I’m Lottie, Lottie Cooper, and I do need to thank you. You saved me from those men.”
“They had no honor,” he said, then winced. Neither did he these days. “But even if you will not accept that drink, I intend to accompany you home - in case they have recovered enough to seek vengeance.”
She paled and stepped closer to him, looking around nervously. She seemed so small and defenseless. Perhaps he shouldn’t even discuss the job with her - but Marshall had promised there was no danger and while he didn’t particularly trust the man, he agreed with his reasoning.
And she will be safer with me than alone in Port Cantor.
“Would you consider tea instead? I have a suggestion about your future. At an outside cafe if you prefer,” he added when she gave him a thoughtful look.
“All right. I suppose a half an hour won’t make much difference. But let’s get out of the market area first.”
“Agreed. Where do you live?”
She hesitated, then sighed.
“I have rooms over by the fishing port. At least for now.” Her hand dropped to the pocket holding her credits. “This isn’t going to last long.”
He made a noncommittal noise, not wanting to discuss his proposition here. Putting his hand under her elbow again, he started to lead her down the street, surprisingly gratified when she accompanied him without protest. They walked back through the market, then down one of the winding streets leading to the fishing port, both of them silent until she looked up and smiled.
“It’s very different walking with you. Everyone gets out of your way. I have to weave my way through.”
“Prey always recognizes a predator.”
Another thoughtful look from those clear brown eyes.
“Why do you call yourself a predator? I don’t believe you prey on anyone. You certainly came to my rescue.”
He shrugged, even though he knew he’d been correct the first time.
“A dangerous male, if you prefer.”
She smiled up at him.
“I don’t think anyone would argue with that. There’s a cafe at the end of the street by the harbor. Will that do?”
“Wherever you would like.”
Back on Karthika, back before everything had changed, he could have escorted her to one of the grand tea rooms that adorned the capital, the china and crystal glittering beneath the lights of a thousand chandeliers. Stop that, he told himself. He had no reason to turn maudlin all of a sudden. Those days were a long way behind him.
And the cafe was nice enough, a quiet little spot overlooking the harbor with gaily striped tablecloths and a small candle on each table. The breeze blew in from across the water, carrying the scent of the sea, and the beacon on the lighthouse outside the harbor began sweeping through the gathering darkness.
“I’ve always liked it here,” she said after they’d ordered tea and he’d insisted on adding a platter of pastries.
“Because you like the sea?”
“I do, but it’s not really that. It’s the fact that even with the city behind us, it’s so open. Endless waters and endless possibilities.” She gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry. I used to bring my grandfather here before he got too ill and he said that a lot.”
“Is he…”
He hesitated and she shook her head.
