Yet, even she isn’t completely immune tomycharms.
She’s just a mortal, after all.
After a beat, she clicks her tongue and gestures for me to rise.
“I wondered when you’d show up, General Slayer. Or…should I call you Blood Sentineal?”
I don’t let me easy smile waver as I say, “You may call me whatever pleases you best, my lady.”
One corner of her deep cherry-colored mouth twitches upwards. “So many names for one man. The spirits of the gods must find you special.”
“Sure feels like it, my lady,” I say lightheartedly.
Madame Mercy keeps me in suspense for another minute before nodding at the chair next to her. I take a seat.
The place is noisy, as always. Madame Mercy’s men line the walls, their trained eyes looking for trouble. A faint headache forms at my right temple.
“Did your General send you here, gadgi?”
“No. I’m here on my own,” I say, leaning towards Madame Mercy.
One of her well-manicured eyebrows rises. “Fascinating. What do you want? You’re out of favors, Kregger.”
I incline my head. “I’m well aware, my lady. All I need is a little bit of information. And I’m ready to pay.”
“I got no use for your money,” she says and waves her hand at the gambling parlor. “I’ve got plenty of it.”
My pulse stutters.
Of course. I knew that.
In Kozem, money only matters to those who run dirty jobs.
“I’m sure there’s something I can be useful with,” I say, looking up at her through my lashes. “You’re well acquainted with my vast arsenal of skills.”
Her eyes darken with lust. I bet a thousand frade she’s remembering just how skilled I am between the sheets.
An odd sensation, like prickling skin, settles in my chest.
I can’t shake it off.
Is that?—
Is that guilt?
Phoenix’s face flashes at the front of my mind, pushing everything else to the side.
Spirits of the gods…
For years I’ve relied on my charm, flirting abilities, and other skills to get ahead and get things done. It was easy, because my heart was free.
But now…
How am I supposed to get anything done when my heart belongs to someone?
“I do have a job,” Madame Mercy says, snapping me back to reality.
Unease coils in my stomach. “Do tell, my lady.”
