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“Croygen.” The small, gray-haired man bowed his head at my companion, his stern face and stiff body gave the impression he was not someone to joke with. He was all business. Something about him made you feel he fit better in the time of the first dynasty.
“Duan Ru.”Scholar. Croygen ducked in respect. “Getting slower, my friend. I have been here for at least a half hour now.”
“I had business,” he replied curtly. “I knew you docked this morning; you are lazy and arrogant.”
Croygen snorted, “Good. I’d hate to start changing.”
“What do you want?” Duan Ru scowled.
“Always good to catch up with you.” Croygen prodded at the old man, then caught my eye, his expression losing all his charm, turning serious. “This is a different kind of request.” He took a breath, trying to phrase his words. “We are looking for something. Probably will have no idea what I’m even talking about.” He exhaled. “We are searching for what is calledthe nectar.”
The old man went still; his only movement was his lids blinking. “No.” His voice came out low, his brown eyes darting around the room. “Do not say that word again in here.” His gaze subtly scanned around. “There are always eyes and ears.”
“You know what it is?” Croygen’s eyebrows lifted.
“Forget you ever heard of it. Forget everything about it.” Peering around us as he stood up. “I cannot help you.” As quick as the man sat down, he slipped out of his chair, disappearing into the crowd.
“O-kay.” I peered back at Croygen. “Was that normal?”
“No.” Croygen still stared after him, a contemplative expression on his face.
“Well, that was a bust.”
“No.” His finger tapped at his mug, his dark irises snapping back to me. “Quite the opposite. It gave more legitimacy to it. I have known Duan Ru for a long time, and he’s never been afraid of anyone or anything. Tonight he was afraid of something.” He tipped his cup to me before taking a drink. “I think we are going in the right direction.”
“But we need more to go on.”
“Yeah,” Croygen agreed, examining the bar. “But we need to be very careful. I have another contact who might know something. She hears a lot of gossip.”
“She?” I failed to keep my tone even. “Let me guess, one you are acquainted intimately with?”
“It’s like you know me.” He winked.
I rolled my eyes, a disgusted huff coming out.
“Be careful, Kitty-Kat. Some might think you’re jealous.” A sultry smile pulled his lips.
“Far from it,” I huffed, rising, needing to get away from him. “Going to the bathroom. Think I need to wash the residue of your ego off me.” I turned for the hallway.
“Believe me, you will need more than a rinse if I released myresidueon you.” His comment was mumbled, but I heard it loud and clear, clenching my fists as I strolled for the toilet. A flash of what he was insinuating went through my head, his cum spilling on my stomach, marking my skin as he pushed back inside me.
A growl of anger unfurled in my throat. Slamming into the bathroom, I leaned over the sink, sucking in a deep breath, hating how this man could still get to me. I should know better, be stronger, be immune to his charms and devilish tongue. But when the man you used to fantasize about is turning his seduction on you, something you only dreamed about at one time, it’s hard to fight. No matter what logic and truth is in your face.
“He can really make you crazy.” I jerked my head up at the voice to see a slim, beautiful woman reflected in the mirror. I could tell she was from eastern ancestry, but I couldn’t put my finger on where, though with her graceful, thin figure, she could easily blend in here. Her red silk wrap suggested she might be “working.” Prostitution wasn’t blatant here; they were more subtle. A modern version of ayiji,which was akin to a geisha. “You look a little young and inexperienced for his normal type.” She had a local inflection in her voice.
“Excuse me?” I twisted around.
“He has a talent for making you foolish in all the right and wrong ways, am I right?” Her red-painted lips smiled knowingly. A knot formed in my stomach. “It’s impossible to ever stay mad at him.”
“I’m sorry, who are you?”
“An old friend.” She went to the worn mirror, fixing her perfect hairdo.
“I’ll bet.” I huffed. “Let me guess, another one of Croygen’scontacts.” I curled my fingers in a mocking tone.
“Are you any different?” A single eyebrow arched up high.
“It’s not like that.” I shook my head. “Not between us.”
