Page 37 of Under Restless Skies

“If I knew them, they wouldn’t be secret. But information is like treasure. Gets hidden here and there. And now you can find it. You can look at the records and see who doesn’t want you as a recruit, for instance. That’s one thing you can do. The only thing I ask of you is that you share what you find.”

He’s unbelievable. “So that was your plan? To make me your spy?”

He raises a finger. “It is a brilliant plan, indeed, but no. Not being a recruit makes you sad, and seeing you sad tears me apart.”

I almost roll my eyes, unsure why he’s saying that, but also confused about the key, about everything.

“Thanks,” I mutter.

He reaches out a hand and caresses my hair. I want to move away, but I’m still too stunned. Or maybe I want to lean into his touch and get even closer.

He says, “Tomorrow you’ll get instructions about where to go, what to do. For now, I’ll show you to your bedroom.”

Pulling my hand, he leads me to the hallway by the washroom, where he opens a wooden door leading to a large but not enormous room with a single bed, two large drawer chests, and a small sofa, with a window facing the bay and the pouring rain outside.

I’m so confused. “I don’t understand.”

“Your room, Mayara. You said I don’t want to share my victory with you, but it’s not true. You’ll stay here. With me.”

A sharp, cold feeling spreads through my body, and I pull back my hand. This is wrong. “But these are your quarters.”

“And you’re my guest.”

The idea of sleeping in this gorgeous room sounds good—in theory. Except that something like this would come with a price. Maybe I don’t want to owe a favor or depend on Alayel’s goodwill.

I smile. “Thanks. Truly. But it’s inappropriate.”

“Why inappropriate?” He frowns, looking confused.

Apparently I have to spell out the obvious now. “They’ll think I’m your mistress, Alayel.”

He chuckles. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not married.”

At once, one of the reasons for my refusal flashes in my mind.

“What about Silvia?” I ask, and then want to take back the words, but it’s too late.

His laughter now makes me want to punch his face. “Oh, that’s cute. Did you make a list of all my past dalliances? Are you interested in a performance report? You can ask me.”

Of course I feel foolish for having brought that up. “I just mean that you’re involved with someone, so you shouldn’t have another woman in your quarters.”

“I’m not involved with her. I fucked her when she begged me to, but it wasn’t a brilliant decision.”

Gross. “Is that how you talk about the women you take to your bed?”

“Not all of them, no. The thing is, not everyone is nice. Not everyone deserves our respect. On the other hand, some people are lovely. I’ll never talk about you like that.”

“Will? You think…” A chuckle of disbelief escapes my lips.

He crosses his arms. “There’s one thing you need to know about me. I get everything I want.”

“Good for you.” I head to the closet, hoping to find my way out.

“Stop.”

For some reason, I turn, and find him looking at me, remorse written on his features. “You can stay here. Please. Even if you never, ever, come close to my bed, it’s your reward. You earned this as much as I did.”

“I appreciate it, but I don’t want people talking.”