“Staying on The Treasure?” With Blaize?
“I’ve been filling the role of Chief of Security and negotiating our jobs. You are a much better negotiator.”
Cifer jolted back. “Not sure how you can say that when the first group I negotiated with wanted the food from Din’ Gale to feed stolen kids.”
“The backup buyer you had in place was more than ready to take the goods.” Dez’s yellow-eyed gaze lasered into Cifer. “You did the work to have two buyers set up. Probably three if I checked. I struggle to negotiate a single deal. To be honest, I hate it. I’ve learned two things trying to fill that role. Not everyone is as honest as the Din’ Gale people. And two, I don’t like to dicker.”
“It’s a game.” Cifer shrugged. “Played correctly, everyone wins.”
“So, will you do it? Will you join The Treasure?”
“What does Blaize think of all this?”
“She thinks…”
Cifer twisted in his seat. Blaize was in the doorway, stealing his breath, which only made sense since she already had his heart.
She continued, “She would very much like you to stay and be a partner. The entire team discussed it, and the vote was unanimous to make you a partner. But if you don’t want to stay, obviously we would still meet the terms of the agreement we came to on Cassan and take you to Hiargus and then back to Cassan. No one is kidnapping you or forcing you to?—”
Cifer stretched out an arm and tugged her close, kissing her rambling mouth. In a perfect world, he’d respectfully wait for her to finish. But neither the world, nor he, was perfect, and he couldn’t wait a moment longer.
She gasped for breath. “Is that a yes?”
“There could be no other answer to such an invitation. I’ll sign whatever contract you need. After.”
“After?” Blaize asked.
“After we launch and I take you back to your quarters—or mine—and seal this partnership properly.”
“Okay,” Blaize replied, her cheeks pink and her gaze dreamy.
“See? Expert negotiator,” Dez said, rising from his chair.
“Everyone gets what they want.” Cifer tugged Blaize behind him to the bridge. The sooner they launched, the sooner he could get her in his bed.
Chapter 31
Blaize closed the door to her quarters. The launch had been perfect, and the team was relieved to have Cifer as their new partner. No one liked to negotiate, except for Rhysa, and her version of negotiation had a limited audience.
“Come here, Beauty.” Cifer gripped her hand, pulling her away from the door.
“Wait.”
Cifer released her, his face a mask of confusion. And that was the final hurdle—his infinite masks.
“I need you to do something for me before we go any further.”
He grinned. “Anything.”
“I want to see you. No illusions. Just you as you are.”
His grin faded. “You might not like what you see.”
“I love you. I’ll love what I see.”
“I love you, too.”
“I want more than your love. I want your trust.” And by giving her his trust, he’d be gaining hers, whether he knew it or not.
