“We haven’t found anything else that makes as much sense.” Feeling the tension tightening up my shoulders, I tilted my head to one side until my neck cracked, then did the same on the other side.
“How did Hubler find out Castle had a daughter?” Rome asked. “Was it common knowledge at the time, Yuri?”
“Da. Susma and Samuel did not keep their relationship a secret, and they were very popular in certain circles. Anyone from our world could have heard about it, especially those who follow a darker path or hunt those who do.”
“I’m hunting Castle,” I pointed out in a helpful way, in case Yuri didn’t know.
“Are you going to challenge him?” he asked without looking up from his work. “If so, I might set up a few wagers. I would have made a fortune if I’d known you planned to challenge Og the other night.”
“My girl was kidnapped, courtesy of the Alchemists. Castle had a hand in it. You can spread the word I’m looking for him, and anyone who helps me get my girl back will be well rewarded.”
“Is she a miracle worker? If so, a prince of Hell offered an indulgence for her.” He shook his head. “No one will bite on the hook you’re dangling when such a lure is already in the water.”
“Gemma’s a healer.” My hands tightened into fists. “And an indulgence don’t matter if you ain’t alive to use it.”
Yuri lifted his eyes, but only held my gaze for half a second. When he spoke again, he kept his voice low and soft.
“You never showed me what you designed for yourself, Harker. Don’t tell me you intend to leave here without new ink of your own. That would be a first.”
Maybe he’d seen the monster peering out of my eyes and wanted to distract me. Maybe he just wanted to make a few more grand tonight. Either way, he was right. Ididhave an idea for a new tat. As he worked on Mira, I opened my sketchbook and looked it over. I’d finished it weeks ago and had been building up the courage to show it to Gemma.
An unexpected doubt made me pause.
I wasn’t sure how my angel felt about my tattoos. She didn’t seem repelled by all the ink, but that didn’t mean she liked it, either.
She’s an innocent girl with a quiet personality who crochets and sings in the freaking choir. She probably hates them.
“Do you think she minds all my tats?” I shared the worry out loud before I knew I was gonna do it.
“Who, Gemma?” Rome chuckled. “Nah. She thinks they’re sexy.”
“How do you know that?” I demanded.
“One night when we were hiking, she and the other girls stayed up giggling and talking in Tara’s tent. It was right next to mine. I tried not to listen—”
“I’ll bet you triedrealhard,” Mira interrupted.
“They were loud. I couldn’t ignore it.” Rome shrugged his massive shoulders.
“What else did you hear?” I kinda wanted to know, but kinda didn’t.
“Nothing I’m comfortable sharing. I only told you that because I could see you working yourself up over it. Besides, what you said to Mira applies to you, too. You get a tat because it means something to you. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.”
“It matters whatshethinks. Her opinion is the only one I care about.”
“Rome, I know you don’t have any ink.” Mira turned her head to him. “Does that mean you don’t think it’s sexy?”
“Baby girl, that tattoo and where you’re getting it is the sexiest thing I have ever seen in my entire life.”
“I don’t need to hear that!” I put my hands over my ears.
“All done.” Yuri scooted his stool back. “You can stand up and have a look.”
I wanted to examine his work, but she was fussing around to get a better view in the mirror.
“Hold still,” I griped.
“It’smymoment, Kerry Harker.”
