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“I wouldn’t expect anything else.” I bet he’s smirking again. “Just remember, Vanessa, alliances can shift like sand. Choose your allies wisely.”
I smirk myself. “You should heed your own advice.”
There’s a slight pause here, and I consider hanging up, but I don’t. Not yet.
Damian’s proposition hangs in the air like a dangerous promise. This momentary ceasefire is fragile, and the tension remains thick enough to cut with a knife. The game continues, and I must play my cards with precision.
“I need to know about Marlena,” I say slowly. “Aren’t you two in league together? How do I know you won’t just send her to do your bidding?”
He grunts.
Hmm. Why does he sound annoyed? Did they have a falling out?
“Marlena’s a real threat, huh?” I ask. “What’s the story between you two?”
I’m surprised to hear him laugh again. “A complicated affair, Vanessa. She caught me in a moment of indiscretion, and she’s been a bit volatile since, but I assure you, our interests align for now.”
“Affair as in…”
He sighs. “I’ll spell it out for you. We slept together a few times. Nothing too serious I didn’t think, but I suppose she felt we were exclusive despite our never discussing it.”
“By affair, you mean she found out you had someone else in your bed.” My eyes widen. “Caught you in a moment…”
“Yes, Vanessa, she walked in on me when a blond was riding me, okay? You can enjoy that mental image when you’re with one of your lovers tonight.”
“Don’t be crass.”
“You’re the one prying into my love life. Why should you be able to sleep with who you want but I can’t? Not that I think you shouldn’t. Go right ahead, doll. I wouldn’t mind having a round with you, and I know we wouldn’t get our wires crossed, but you and me, business-wise, we can truly be at peace.”
Hmm. This all is very interesting. I’m surprised he’s being so forthcoming.
Or is he making up an elaborate story to try to fool me again?
“You said our interests align for now,” I say, raising my eyebrows. “Care to elaborate?”
“Let’s just say, I have my own ambitions, and Marlena tends to be unpredictable. If our goals ever diverge too much, it might get messy.”
I smirk. “Well, I guess I’ll enjoy the show while it lasts.”
Damian’s words add another layer of complexity to the tangled web of alliances and betrayals. As much as I’d like to trust his information, I know better than to take everything at face value. The underworld is a realm of deception, and I’ll need to navigate its murky waters with utmost caution.
“Business and pleasure often walk hand in hand in our world. In this case, I shouldn’t have bedded her. I can understand better your reluctance now. You’re young, but you’re smart. As for Marlena… She’s a powerful woman, Vanessa, one you don’t want as an enemy.”
I’m starting to get the impression he’s more worried about her, and I’m glad I attacked him and not her.
“Lucky for you, Damian, I’m not looking for enemies. Just allies, or at least, temporary arrangements.”
“You always did have a knack for survival.”
Honestly, all of this is good news for me. I hope she’ll focus her wrath on him instead of me.
“I want a gesture of good faith before I’ll agree to a truce,” I say.
“Vanessa, you push too far,” he says, irritation coloring his words. “A gesture of good faith, really? You’ve got nerve. I’ll consider it, but don’t expect miracles.”
“Well, Damian, miracles are hard to come by in our world. Let’s settle for the practical. I’ll be waiting.”
He abruptly hangs up on me. Maybe I pushed him too hard.
