Page 34 of Secrets and Starlight
“She’s anxious,” Rhett observed.
“Yeah, but I’m pretty sure that’s your fault.”
“Technically, I think it’s Iona’s. I will only accept responsibility for stoking the fire.”
I studied him, debating if his heart was on the line. If it was, the risks of our quest rose considerably.
He smiled dreamily. “I love seeing Iona standing up for herself. She deserves so much more credit than her mother gives her. She’sspecial.The way she laughs, the way she thinks, and by Teyr, the way she moves that perfect body.”
We’re screwed.
“Is she asking for your help leaving Mer?” I prodded. “Because we really don’t need the mer guards following us when we leave.”
“I know that!” Rhett said defensively and then sighed. “But she’s finally giving herself permission to choose me after all these years, and you’re—what—suggesting that I tell her to back off?”
I shrugged.
“Zayne, I know what we’re doing is dangerous. But she’s been told what to do her whole life, and if she’s finally ready to break free, I can’t let our little heist get in the way.”
“Awe, that’s kind of cute,” Ayla teased from the doorway, “if it weren’t so dangerous.”
My mouth dried at the sight of her. Tonight’s dress was somehow more luscious than the last, her bold red bodice turning into a tight, short skirt that showed off her long legs. Her emotions, calmer now that she’d confidently navigated the meetings of the day, only added to the sexy effect.
“Dangerous,”Rhett echoed, glancing from her to me. “I could say the same about you two.”
Ayla playfully smacked the side of his head. “At least we’re not keeping secrets from each other about why we’re here.”
No, we’ve just lost sense of our individual emotions. Definitely safer.
Not that I minded.
“Our messy love lives aside” —Rhett stood, turning toward me— “keep a close ear from the shadows tonight. A good merchant knows the deals aren’t made in daylight. They happen under the disguise of night.”
I leaned back, relieved Rhett was finally giving some useful advice.
Ninti jumped down from the chair, shook, and looked up at Ayla. “We’ll need to come up with an excuse for you to skip a couple hours of tomorrow’s meetings.”
“Why?”
“I want to train with you. I suspect the Starlit King is right and your powers are starlight. Maybe with a little practice, you’ll be able to open that box with the shards.”
Ayla rolled her wrists, glancing at them to confirm no light ebbed from her hands. “You think so?”
Ninti nodded. “You’re already controlling it far better today. I didn’t see a single outburst.”
Ayla nodded, her playful expression hardening into determination. Still, I felt the doubt in her heart. “A little practice might do the trick.”
“We’ll say you need a nap,” Rhett offered. “Teyr knows the meetings are boring enough. I’ll make your excuses.”
“Excellent.”
The chattering of guests grew louder on the other side of the door, signaling there could be no more delay. The second evening of festivities had begun.
“Shall we?” I asked, nodding toward the door.
Ayla playfully offered me her arm, allowing me the privilege of three steps at her side before I vanished into the shadows.
If only we could spend the whole night together.
