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“So, what do you say? Are you interested in a new position?”
Eli had to keep himself from laughing. This was crazy. Just a week ago, he had the shit beaten out of him and now they wanted to welcome him into the fold? Did they think he’d forget how they treated him if they gave him a fancy new job?
He would never forget.
“No.” He stifled another burst of laughter when Sam’s head snapped in Jameson’s direction. He clearly hadn’t expected that response. Neither of them had. He no longer looked bored. Jameson, on the other hand, remained stonefaced.
“No?” he asked calmly. “You’d rather dig in the dirt and spread manure?”
“Yes.”
Jameson exchanged a brief look with Sam, who looked bewildered and shrugged his shoulders.
“Okay, then. I suppose we are done here.” He turned to exit the cell and thrummed his fingers against the frame. “Well, I hope you get better soon.”
Sam was on his heels as they left.
A wide grin spread across Eli’s face, and he chuckled.
The joy he got out of turning them down would power him through the rest of the day.
***
Chapter Twenty-One
Nik told himself he was giving Ali her space. He was letting her calm down. Truthfully, he was avoiding her. He was scared to see her. He was scared that if he tried to approach her, she might turn him away. He didn’t want to give her another chance to tell him it was over.
Their short time apart only made things more painful. He had no idea what he would say when he saw her again. He’d been working on a plan to get them out of here, himself included. He knew it wasn’t part of the deal, but hell would freeze over before he let her leave without him. If Ali was going to leave, then so would he.
The more he thought about it, the more appealing it sounded. To have a fresh start where he didn’t have to be a ruthless guard, where he wouldn’t have to kill and steal. He should’ve thought of it long before, but then he never would’ve met Ali.
He stopped at the Spotted Salamander for a drink. He had spent a lot of time there ever since the fight with Eli. The buzz of conversation was like a siren’s song. It made him feel less alone, even if he didn’t talk to anyone but the bartender—a polite “thank you” every time she refilled his glass.
He was alone in the bar. It wasn’t even noon before he had his first drink, but he cut himself off after one. He had other things to do today and couldn’t sit here for hours. But the one drink was necessary to get him through the day. After draining his glass, he paid his tab and left the empty bar behind him.
The middle of town was buzzing with people shopping for gifts. The snow was gently falling, and it made for a romantic setting. Couples walked hand in hand and parents attempted to reel in their energetic children. Most of them failed. It brought a smile to his face as the kids ran amok.
The holidays were approaching. Nik wanted to buy something for Ali, even if she wasn’t speaking to him right now. But if he showed up with a gift in hand along with a way for them to escape, then maybe he’d have a chance. Maybe he could earn her forgiveness.
He wasn’t used to buying gifts for people. His parents had passed away years ago and without any friends, he didn’t have anyone to give presents to. He usually spent the holidays alone in front of the fire with a bottle in his hand. He’d accumulated some wealth, being a bachelor with barely a hint of a social life, so he sought out the most valuable gift he could think of for Ali. She was worth every penny.
There was a small jeweler in the center of town that always had dazzling pieces, most of them salvaged from nearby towns. He started checking out the rings, but he didn’t know what would fit her. She had tiny hands, and these all seemed like they’d be too big. And did a ring symbolize something more? Something too much, perhaps? It definitely didn’t say I’m sorry, please forgive me.
He moved on to the necklaces. Many of them were large and gaudy. They didn’t suit her at all. His eyes swept over the jewels so quickly he almost missed it. A small silver chain with an amethyst gem set in a rose. It was perfect. Simple and subtle. He picked it up and rubbed it with his thumb. It would look beautiful around her neck.
I just hope she’ll accept it. It’ll be a miracle if she even gives me the time of day.
“That’s a wonderful choice,” the woman working the stand said to him. She’d been watching him browse for the last fifteen minutes. “I take it this is for someone special?”
She’s special all right.
“Yes.” Ali’s eyes flashed before him. He missed those big brown eyes. The way she’d looked at him before it had all gone wrong. He’d give anything to wrap his arms around her waist again. “I’ll take it.”
The woman took the necklace from him and put it into a small velvet bag.
“What’s up, Nik, my buddy?” Hands landed roughly on Nik’s shoulders, and Nik groaned. “Who the hell are you shopping for? You got a girlfriend you didn’t tell me about?”
Nik turned to face Marcus, the last person he wanted to see, second to Colin. “Hey, Marcus. Are you getting your wife something, or are you still telling her your presence is a present?”
