Kait’s jaw dropped. “YouknewTalia?”
Aurelian nodded. “Not well. She was about to be placed under my instruction.”
Kait shook her head. “I can’t believe this. This is so much to process.”
“That’s why it’s time to cut through the bullshit,” said Aurelian curtly.
Kait looked at him. There was anger in his tone and in his body language. She felt upset and didn’t want him to be angry or disappointed in her. She swallowed, wincing a little at the pain it caused.
His expression changed to one of concern. “Can I bring you some ice for the swelling?”
Although it was probably a good idea, Kait shook her head. They had to deal with this.
“You’re right, Aurelian. I need to come clean. Even though I’m sure you won’t believe me, I came here tonight with the intention of telling you everything.” Kait looked at him in mute appeal.
Aurelian simply looked at Kait for what felt like forever. “All right,” he finally said, nodding.
The silence stretched between them, until Kait couldn’t stand it anymore. “Can you tell me how you found out?”
“I tend to be a cautious person, generally speaking,” he began, “although I must admit I acted completely out of character when I jumped into this situation with you.”
Despite herself, Kait felt a warm flush.
“So, when I came to my senses a little bit more,” he continued, “I called in a favour and had you vetted. I needed to know who you were.”
“Okay. Not the most trusting thing to do,” Kait observed drily.
Aurelian simply raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, I get it,” Kait muttered. “I wasn’t exactly being trustworthy.”
“So, the fellow I called in my favour with is very good, and very quick,” he resumed. “I soon knew Kait Pyne was an investigative reporter on sabbatical after the tragic death of her sister, Talia Pyne. A little more digging revealed Talia Sommers, murdered novice of the Pleasure House of Tarma, and Talia Pyne were one and the same. After that, it wasn’t hard to figure out why you were here.” Aurelian set his tumbler on the table and gazed levelly at Kait. “I don’t blame you. In fact, I quite understand.”
Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes, and she dabbed delicately at them.
“What I find harder to be understanding about is your dishonesty to me. You’ve put yourself into a substantial amount of danger, and you’ve made me your unwitting accomplice,” said Aurelian, his voice rising.
Kait flushed and couldn’t meet his eyes.
“Kait, howcouldyou?”
Her anger rose in unison with her embarrassment. “How was I supposed to know who you are?” she demanded. “I was trying to find out about my sister, prying information from a House that keeps its secrets. I was looking for an in, and you were it!”
Aurelian stood and began pacing. “Fine, I get it,” he stormed. “And I get not telling me any of that on the first night. But last night? Youknowyou could have told me. You know it!” He stopped and turned to look at her. “That’s why you left right after, wasn’t it?” he demanded. “Because you were afraid you might tell me?”
Kait swallowed and nodded.
Aurelian’s face turned red. “You made a choice last night. You chose to keep lying to me. Damn it, Kait!”
She hung her head. “I’m sorry,” she said, letting the tears fall.
“What was that?”
“I said I’m sorry!” she cried, looking up at him. “Yes, it was a shitty thing to do. Yes, I regret lying to you, okay? I feel terrible about it! I was going to tell you!”
Suddenly Aurelian was crouched in front of her, his hand on her cheek, wiping away a tear. “I know you’re sorry,” he said. “I understand. And I believe you when you tell me you were going to admit it. But if we’re to go forward…”
“Yes?” she asked.
