“What will it cost us to get your help?” Sariana whispered, her eyes huge.
Gryph was amazed. “You’re still trying to negotiate a deal, lady?”
“We need your help,” she repeated doggedly. “If you won’t accept the offer of being introduced socially while you wait for your payment, what kind of a deal will you accept? Name your price.”
Gryph looked down at her. “Tell me who needs my help.”
“I’ve just told you. The Avylyn Clan.”
He shook his head, knowing suddenly what he wanted from her. “No. Not the Avylyns. They would be long gone by now if it wasn’t for you. Tell me who really needs my services. Tell me who will pay whatever she has to pay in order to get them.”
Sariana stared at him, confused. Gryph waited, willing her to understand what he wanted from her. Then he saw the knowledge dawn in her large eyes.
“I need your help,” Sariana said quietly.
“Say it again.”
She set her teeth. “I need your help.”
Gryph nodded, satisfied. “That’s right. You. Not the Avylyns.” He released her. Sariana sat back in her seat, massaging her wrist unobtrusively. She regarded him with wary, smoldering eyes.
“Get my weapon kit out of that stone table,” Gryph ordered calmly.
Sariana pressed a hidden button under the table and a section of the polished stone surface silently slid open. She reached inside and retrieved the kit.
“I only wanted to make you listen to my proposition,” she said, handing the kit to him. “I just wanted to get your attention long enough to convince you that you won’t lose in this deal.”
“You’ve taken more risks tonight than you even realize,
Sariana Dayne,” Gryph remarked as he quickly fastened the weapon kit back on his belt. “But you’re in luck. I’ve decided I need the work after all. I’ll take the job provided you can afford daily expenses. I’ll let you know later what my final fee will be.”
SHIELD’S LADY will be available in eBook in July 2012
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The author of over 50 New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 35 million copies of her books in print.
Building on the success of her Arcane Society Series, Jayne is kicking off three new paranormal series in 2012.
The Dark Legacy books are set in present day Washington state and delve into the paranormal crystal mining world and the Coppersmith Family. The first book, COPPER BEACH is available now.
The Ladies of Lantern Street novels are set in Victorian England and follow the adventures of the Flint and Marsh Agency employees. These ladies are not your average paid companions. The first book, CRYSTAL GARDENS is available now.
The Rainshadow novels started, unofficially, with the release of CANYONS OF NIGHT. These stories are set on a small island on the planet Harmony in the not so distant future. The second novel in this series, THE LOST NIGHT, will be available in September 2012.
When she's not writing, Jayne can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JayneAnnKrentz
You can also learn more about Jayne at her website, http://www.JayneAnnKrentz.com
MORE BOOKS BY JAYNE ANN KRENTZ
Contemporary (written as Jayne Ann Krentz)
Copper Beach
In Too Deep
Fired Up
Running Hot
Sizzle and Burn
Historical (written as Amanda Quick)
Crystal Gardens
Quicksilver
Burning Lamp
The Perfect Poison
The Third Circle
Futuristic (written as Jayne Castle)
The Lost Night (September 2012)
Canyons of Night
Midnight Crystal
Obsidian Prey
Dark Light
Midnight Jewels Page 39