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I slid to the edge of my seat, my attention on Dustin, who slipped behind a black curtain that surrounded the room in a U-shape. “Hey, can you get me backstage? I need to speak with Dustin.”
“Why?” Gage’s faced twisted into one of disgust. “The shifter’s a murderer-for-hire and most steer away from him, so what would you want with him? Planning on knocking someone out?” He cocked an eyebrow, staring at me with judgment.
I feigned innocence and placed a hand on my heart. “Such accusations. I might have a job for him for a client.” Gage didn’t need to know I was the so-called client. “Now, can you help or—?”
He got to his feet, towering over me. “He’s hired for two things—appearing in a fighting pit or taking someone out—so what’s going on?” His voice darkened and his eyes narrowed with that inquisitive glare.
I licked my lips and kept staring between the curtain and back at Gage, who eyed me with suspicion. “It’s not what you think. But don’t worry. I’ll sneak in myself.” I got up and slipped past him, but he grasped my wrist.
“Not if I stop you.” His grip tightened. “Talk to me, Elliana.”
Just freaking tell him already.
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t bring myself to reveal the truth because then he’d try to stop me. Or worse, he’d insist on joining us. I couldn’t focus if he got hurt, and I was already putting Dustin in danger. Even if I saidno, Gage would follow. Because he couldn’t sit back, he’d get involved with taking down the gargoyle, meaning one or all of us would get hurt.
“Look. It’s just a client who needs Dustin for a job, and I don’t ask too many questions about the tasks, you know that. The less I know sometimes, the better. I collect my money and connect people. It’s what I do. Now cut me some slack. Will you help?”
He didn’t speak for a long moment. Instead, he studied me, as if trying to see into my thoughts to extract the truth. My palms sweated, and I wiped them down the front of my pants. Lying to Gage never sat right with me. I just hoped that one day I could tell him everything, and he’d forgive me.
“Can’t believe I’m considering this,” he said. “You know he’s a nasty piece of work? I don’t want you alone with him.”
His words scared me, and I’d heard rumors that Dustin murdered without remorse. He was someone who’d take out the gargoyle. And if that meant spending time alone with a man who killed without care, I’d take my chances. Because it meant the possibility of freedom.
