Page 25 of Nocturn

“No,” Egan said through gritted teeth. “But I will have to ensure there are no weapons.”

“If you insist,” the male said, his smirk widening. He shucked his tunic off, exposing the long line of his torso, then he unbuttoned his pants, shoving them down and kicking them off.

After seeing Lord Draven in all his monstrous nudity, it seemed . . . smaller on every other man. Without that point of reference, this one would have been more impressive.

Egan cleared his throat, shuffling, discomfort obvious.

“Come, Liadan.” She reached forward and cupped his length. He smirked, his eyebrow twitching. Was this another ‘show’? “Here’s a cock for you to practice on.”

I stumbled back until I bumped into the bedframe.

“P-practice?” I croaked. “I-I. . .” I swung my gaze to Egan. The line of his body remained taut. I was not sure what I was asking for in looking to him. Protection? Help?

“It is obvious both of you being here will halt this. How about you two go enjoy a drink at the bar?” She smiled. “We will make sure she does not leave this chamber.”

Egan hesitated, a muscle twitching near his eye.

“Very well,” the other officer said.

Egan’s mouth opened and closed. I kept looking at him intensely, waiting for the denial.

“I will wait right outside,” he said, tone as tight as a bowstring. Both guards left, the door closing behind them with a click.

My breathing had yet to return to normal.

“Miss Blane⁠—”

“Liadan,” she whispered hurriedly, turning to the nude man that had yet to remove his focus from me. “I think we should consider our next step.”

He was not paying her any mind; he strode past, heading directly for me. I stumbled back, knocking my elbow into the metal bedframe. Liadan reached me, but did the unexpected. He cupped the back of my neck, dragged me close, palm stopping my gasp.

“Liadan, I think we should consider bringing her into the cause,” Miss Blane hurried over to his side.

“We agreed to kill her.”

My eyes widened. I puffed a breath against his hand.

Death . . . Something I couldn’t do to myself. Maybe it would be best for him to snuff me out.

I stayed limp, my gaze bouncing from one to the other as they sniped back and forth. As much as I could accept my end, I still did not understand why they would kill me.

“I think we should bring her in.”

“A recruitment?” Liadan raised an eyebrow.

“She is not a simpering fool for the Warlord like we were expecting,” Miss Blane said. I huffed behind the palm and mumbled.

Liadan narrowed his eyes on me. “I do not think this is a good idea.”

“Come now, Liadan, we have to try. We have no access inside.”

There was only silence, and I could see the thoughts flit through Liadan’s gaze.

“If you are wrong, it means our death.”

Miss Blane pursed her lips. “A risk we must take. We must try something.” She met my eyes. “You have to be quiet. Please, let us explain ourselves.”

They waited, and I jerkily nodded as best I could with the palm on my mouth. Liadan sighed and his features tensed even more. He pulled his palm off.