"No." He lifted his wine to his lips. "I like it here."
"It stinks," Selene said succinctly.
"True. You should leave before your delicate nose is further offended. But I'm a little drunk, and I make it a habit to never go out into dark alleys unless I have all my wits about me."
Selene dropped down in the chair across from him. "We want you to help us."
"I helped you once before." He smiled. "Don't expect more from me. I'm not a generous man."
"We're not asking for generosity," Selene said. "We want your sword. You'll be well paid."
"Ware?"
She shook her head. "Ware knows nothing about this. Tarik. You remember him?"
He sipped his wine. "How could I forget? I sold him my birthright. Is he enjoying it?"
"It's a beautiful villa."
"Yes." His gaze went to Kadar. "You're hovering over her the way you did Ware. Don't you weary of protecting those around you?"
"It's become custom."
"I always found it strange. Particularly after I found out of your association with the assassins."
"Ware told me you spent some time with Sinan. Did you ever meet Nasim?"
"He came twice to the fortress while I was there. Sinan seemed to lean on him." He smiled. "It was amusing watching them together. I never could decide who had the darker spirit."
"Nasim," Selene said.
"Possibly." He leaned back in his chair. "I gather it's Nasim you wish me to vanquish?"
"Yes."
"Then I hereby end this discussion."
"Not without help," Kadar said.
"You know the power of the assassins," Vaden said. "They never stop. If I killed Nasim, they'd be pursuing me for the rest of my life."
"You wouldn't be the one to strike the death blow."
"Then they'd pursue me for only half my life."
"Tarik would pay very well," Selene said. "What do you want?"
"I have what I want." He waved at the dim room. "Uplifting surroundings. Good company. Fine wine."
"What do you want?" Selene repeated.
"To live another year."
"If we promised to see that Nasim did not know--"
"He would know." His gaze fastened on her face. "You're very determined. Why me? There are other warriors. I grant you, not as magnificent as me. And not many who would face Nasim, but I could name you one or two."
"I want you."
