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Her father had earned the title of devil, although his acquaintances and business dealers had a different definition than those who abhorred the squat Gaul. It was entirely possible Talia knew where her family’s mainstream of wealth lay but didn’t have the moral compass to care.
But what if she didn’t know her father traded in human flesh? Could she simply be the family’s sensual little assassin and be ignorant of the bigger stakes? The possibility maddened me. Thewhat ifssparked through my mind.
It would take time to unwind this thread. What happened with the answer would have many variables as well, and tonight was absolutely not the night to start. Besides, I needed to speak with my sister before things got too hot and heavy in her room. There wouldn’t be another chance until dawn, and not because of her steamy activities. I was leaving after dark, needing to be many miles north of here by midnight.
My fist rapped on her door. The thick wood wasn’t as soundproof as it should have been. There were squeals and squeaks of pleasure coming from within. Dammit, I’d missed my chance. I turned to go back to my rooms when the door burst open.
“Oh!” Iryna laughed, baby blues sparkling with mirth and cheeks flushed red with lust. “It’s you.”
I scrunched my brows in confusion, thankful she wore a soft white robe. “Who was it supposed to be?”
“Room service.” Iryna came out of the room, pulling the door closed and leaning back against it. “What’s up?”
I scrubbed a hand over my face. “Tzigane? Really?”
“Oh, that.” My sister tried to laugh it off. “Sheisa gypsy. Give her gold hoops, a hair scarf, and a flowy skirt. She’s not French aristocracy, Con.”
“She’s my wife. And I thought you were kinder than that, or at least could rise above such low jabs.”
Iryna pulled back in surprise. “She’s our enemy’s daughter sent to assassinate you!”
“While that might be her reason for being here, she still deserves basic human respect.” I fisted my hands in my pockets. “As does every member of my household. You know that.”
“I do.” Iryna let out a short breath.
“Good.” I flicked a glance at the door. “Have a pleasant evening,louloudi mou.”
“Thanks, I will.” Her hand on the door, Iryna paused. “Adelfós, if you’re really serious about keeping that woman around and foiling her father’s plans, you need to take your own advice.”
“What do you mean?” I removed my hands from my pockets and smoothed down my jacket.
Iryna caught the tick but didn’t comment. “You have to interact with her. This is your honeymoon, for crissakes. Spend a little time with the gypsy so she can feel like she’s beginning to make progress. As much as I hate to admit it, you have to create the illusion of trust and reel her in. I’m not talking about actually falling for her, but play her. Like a puppeteer.”
Fuck. My sister was right. As usual. “I have to work tonight.”
“I know, but you don’t leave for Bulgaria until nine. That’s enough time to grab dinner with your bride.”
That was my sister, ready to unleash claws and fight to the death, but then turning on the charm a split second later. “We’ll see.” I gave her a wave. “Goodnight.”
“Con.” There was a catch in her voice as she said my name.
“Yeah?”
“Be safe tonight.” She wasn’t talking about my marital life this time.
I smiled fondly at the only woman I’d ever truly loved. The woman who’d always been there for me. “I will, Yna. I’ll be back before dawn.”
