by Alessa Thorn
"It's why it tasted so good," Set teased.
"This could do with some stitches," she said, inspecting the cut. "Doesn't look like there's anything in it."
"I washed it. It's really nothing, though if you must play doctor, I'll allow it." There was enough innuendo in his tone that made Ayla roll her eyes.
"Like I haven't heard that one before," she said, pressing the towel against the cut again. "I can't have my knight in shining armor bleeding everywhere, can I?"
Set raised a brow. "I think we both know I'm not knight material."
"You don't say," she said. Once the bleeding slowed, she rubbed some antiseptic cream on it, covered it with a sterile patch, and wrapped it in a bandage.
"You going to kiss it better, too?" he asked with a hopeful grin.
"I don't like you that much." Ayla threw out the bloody cloth and washed her hands.
Set was watching her, golden eyes assessing as if he was trying to figure her out. Ayla dried her hands and stared right back, refusing to be intimidated.
He was big and brutal, but with his thick black hair out of its tie and around his shoulders, his strong features softened into rough handsomeness. Not the type of man Ayla would usually go for, but there was something about him that made his presence...arresting.
"Thank you. It was unnecessary, but thank you," he said when she sat back down.
"Thank you for saving me tonight," she replied, picking up her spoon. "Even if you were paid to do it, I won't ever stop being grateful. What's he like? My father."
Set turned thoughtful. "Ruthless. Cunning. Scary smart. He cares about very few people, but he treats his friends well."
"Are you his friend?"
"He likes to think so. He's a good boss, as far as gangsters go, and pays well."
Ayla nodded. "Does he have a family?"
"No. Only you, apparently. No wife."
"Do you know why he never bothered to reach out?"
"Isn't it obvious? He didn't want you anywhere near this shit. It's why he sent me to protect you. So you might get out of this as easily as possible, and I can give you back a normal life."
"He trusts that you can do that, so what makes you so special?" she asked.
Set's answering smile tugged at something low in her gut. "Stay alive long enough, doctor, and you might just find out."
***
Set and Ayla’s adventure continue here!
Also by ALESSA THORN
GODS UNIVERSE
THE COURT OF THE UNDERWORLD
ASTERION
MEDUSA
HADES
HERMES
THANATOS
CHARON
EREBUS
GODS OF THE DUAT
SET
THOTH
ANUBIS (Coming Soon)
FAE UNIVERSE
THE WRATH OF THE FAE
KISS OF THE BLOOD PRINCE
HEART OF THE WINTER PRINCE
WINGS OF THE NIGHT PRINCE
MERCENARIES AND MAGIC
DARKEST NIGHT