It was regretful, but spending too much time with him was probably dangerous. At the very least, Malek had some knowledge about the Fae. It wouldn’t be difficult for him to draw his own conclusions. His life would be forfeit if he discovered the truth. Dax or Bane would kill him without question. She didn’t want anyone else’s blood on her hands unnecessarily.
“Your offer is generous, but I’m wary of accepting gifts.”
He nodded and closed the box, hiding the wondrous creation from view. “I can understand that. Perhaps you’ll reconsider once you get to know me better.”
She didn’t respond. Instead, she studied one of the maps spread out on the desk. Many of the ports were marked off with different symbols, but there was no way to know what they meant. “Have you been to all these locations?”
“Yes,” he admitted, looking down at the map. “What about you? Have you traveled much?”
She shook her head. “No. I haven’t had the chance. Do you have a favorite place?”
Malek leaned against the desk. “Several. One of the most unique was Razadon.”
Her eyes widened. “You’ve been to the dwarven city?”
He chuckled. “The last time was about two months ago. They’re selective about who they’ll trade with, but it’s always profitable.”
She closed the distance between them, wanting to learn more. “What’s it like?”
His smiled deepened, and his eyes warmed at her interest. “It’s more astounding than the stories you’ve probably heard. They have trading stalls set up outside of the city, but the entrance is nestled within a mountain where they’ve carved out the side of it and underneath. That’s their true home. The city itself is completely underground, but there’s magic within their walls.”
Sabine bit her lip, trying to imagine the scene he described. She’d read some ancient texts when she was younger, but the colorful illustrations had only piqued her curiosity. A few travelers had passed through Akros on their way to or from the dwarven city, and she’d eagerly listened in on some of their stories.
“Is it true that each carving holds the traces of the artist’s memories?”
“That’s what they say,” Malek agreed and studied her for a long time. “As it happens, we’re planning to return in the next few weeks. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to join us. There’s room on the ship for one more.”
Sabine paused, somewhat surprised by the suggestion. It was a nice thought if she were truly human, but it was too risky to travel there, especially with him. She might be able to hide her identity for a short time, but it would be impossible in close proximity on a ship. Besides, she ran the risk of her glamour being stripped away the minute she stepped foot inside the dwarven city. It was rumored the dwarves had wards in place that could negate such magic. She didn’t know if it was true or not, but she couldn’t take that chance.
Turning away, she walked over to the bed, feeling the weight of Malek’s gaze on her. He hadn’t pushed, but each of his questions and comments had been carefully designed to chisel away at her façade. Over the years, she’d found the questions that weren’t answered could tell her more about someone than if they had answered outright. Malek was a little too appealing, and it was time to return the favor by setting him off balance.
Aware of his interest in her, she sat on the edge of the bed. She tucked her loose hair behind her ear and gave him a small smile. “I came here tonight because I hoped you might be interested in making a trade.”
He slowly perused her up and down, the heat in his gaze warming her from within. He took a step toward her, his mouth curving upward. “I’m listening. What sort of trade did you have in mind?”
She bit her lip and lowered her gaze, hoping he wouldn’t disappoint her. He wasn’t Fae, but he knew enough about their ways that he might prove to be fun to barter with again. It had been a long time since someone had surprised her the way he had with his dinner invitation.
Trailing her fingers over the blanket, Sabine said, “Nothing too difficult. I’m simply looking for some information.” Lifting her head, she peered at him through her lashes. “What would you like from me in return?”
He paused and then chuckled, shaking his head. “Having you on my bed is giving me all sorts of ideas, which I’m sure is exactly what you intended.” His gaze roamed over her again, this time more thoughtfully. “I think I need to hear what information you’re interested in before we discuss the terms. I’m afraid you’ll have the advantage, though, because I’d like to keep you exactly where you are.”
Her smile became genuine, and she stood. She affected him, but he was also wary. Good. He was going to be fun, but she wouldn’t toy with him too much. The magnetism between them was potent enough to make seducing him more than a little appealing, but she needed to learn more about him before deciding. Sadly, that would have to wait while other pressing matters were pursued first.
“You went with Javyn to retrieve Terrance, correct?”
His brow furrowed. “Yes, but as Javyn mentioned, Terrance is missing. I came upstairs not long after you left, so I don’t know if Dax has heard anything more yet. Why? Do you want me to find out what’s going on?”
Sabine made a noncommittal noise. It was a sweet offer, but Dax would do everything in his power to keep Malek out of it. Dax wasn’t a fan of competition, preferring to eliminate any potential threats immediately. If she had more time to spare, she could wait on word from Bane or Edvar without pulling Malek into a messy situation. But time was a luxury she couldn’t afford. If the Fae were targeting her, she needed to know right away. No one in Akros would be safe if the Fae, or even worse, the Wild Hunt, descended upon the city.
Sabine approached Malek until he was within touching distance. Lifting her chin, she looked up into his eyes. “I understand you went to Terrance’s office and home. I’d like you to tell me where he lives.”
Malek became quiet for a long time. “You promised to stay away from the gambling hall but not his home. I’m assuming you came to me because you don’t want Dax to know what you’re planning?”
She gave him a small smile. “Dax can be… somewhat overprotective at times. I don’t think either of us is willing to go another round tonight.”
Malek frowned. “I’ll give you the information you want, but in exchange, you will allow me to accompany you.”
Sabine froze and narrowed her eyes. “I work alone.”
Malek shook his head. “Not tonight. That’s the price for my help.”
“Then there is no deal between us.” She turned back to the window, but his voice stopped her before she could withdraw from his room.
“Someone is trying to hurt you, Sabine. I know you can take care of yourself, but if these people are determined, another weapon by your side may help.”
Turning back around, she studied him, trying to figure out his motivation. “Why would you offer this?”
He hesitated, and she had the impression he was trying to come up with a believable reason. “I know we’ve only just met and you don’t have a reason to trust me yet, but I’d like to help you. Something about you… I’m not sure I can adequately explain, but I feel protective of you. I’d also like to get to you know you better, although I believe you already knew that.”
Something wasn’t right. Sabine glanced at the mark on his wrist. She’d deepened it with a secondary protection when he’d tried to intervene between her and Dax, but the mark was only supposed to go one way. He’d somehow managed to block her from sensing him when she’d visited the tavern earlier too.
Malek smiled, his blue eyes twinkling with humor. “No, it’s not your mark. I enjoy it. It’s a connection of sorts.”
She frowned, wondering if he was somehow resistant to her magic. “You shouldn’t be able to feel anything from it.”
Malek paused. It set her even more on guard. He was hiding something. An air of magical energy surrounded him, but it was suppressed somehow, as though his power was warded agains
t detection. Maybe that’s why her mark wasn’t working correctly. Those type of wards were extremely rare and usually crafted by powerful witches. She could try asking Esmelle, but her witch friend didn’t usually dabble with that sort of magic. Another witch at the behest of Bane had crafted the warding bracelet she usually wore, but it was only designed to warn her against magical attacks.
“Sabine,” he began hesitantly, taking another step toward her. “I can’t tell you too much, but my promise to you still stands. I swear I mean you no harm.”
She believed him. It was strange to trust him; she hardly knew him. In a way, he reminded her of Dax and Bane. He wasn’t a demon, but she could sense a similar power slumbering within him. It was skewed, as though it hovered right outside her field of vision. If she turned quickly enough, she might be able to catch a glimpse.
Dax and Bane had come into her life for a reason, and if she hadn’t trusted them, she never would have survived the past ten years. Malek was different, but the gods had brought him to her too. If she were honest with herself, she felt protective over him too. Otherwise, she never would have risked marking him. Such things were never done lightly, even when the mark was trivial.
The realization was enough to make her discard her earlier objections. She tucked her loose hair behind her ear. “How do you feel about heights?”
Malek arched his brow and his mouth twitched in a smile. “I don’t have a problem with them. Why?”
Sabine smiled. “Come along, Captain. If you’re determined to join me, we’re going the scenic route.”
Chapter Six
Sabine climbed out the window and pulled herself onto the roof. Malek managed to follow her with little trouble, even though he significantly outweighed her. This only elevated her opinion of him. She bit back a smile and motioned for him to follow. If Malek had such skill as a ship captain, it wasn’t surprising he’d found smuggling to be profitable.
“Which direction?” she asked when he crouched down beside her.
“Back toward the docks, but we’ll need to head to the surface streets when we get closer. I’m not familiar enough with the city to identify the landmarks from here.”
She nodded and climbed over a parapet wall onto a lower section of roof. “You handle yourself well up here.”
“Do you travel the rooftops often?”
“Only when I’m trying to avoid attention,” she admitted, pointing out an area where the roof appeared a bit weaker. It would support her weight, but probably not his. He nodded and moved behind her while she led him across several more buildings and toward the edge of Dax’s territory. The city guards patrolled this area, but many of them were in Dax’s pocket. She wasn’t sure what instructions he’d given regarding her, but it was safe to assume she needed to avoid them.
“The night we met… were you trying to draw attention? Was that why you weren’t traveling the rooftops?”
She frowned. “No. I was careless that night.”
Malek arched his brow. “Most people wouldn’t have admitted that.”
“I’m not most people.”
“I’m learning that,” he said quietly.
Sabine darted another glance at him. He studied her again with that unnerving intensity of his. She frowned and turned away, determined to focus on their destination. Malek was a mystery she intended to solve, but she had to keep reminding herself to be patient.
Moving forward, she leapt over the railing of a low terrace and climbed up to the adjacent rooftop before crossing to the next building. An owl hooted in the distance, and she paused at the edge of the roof. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply and took the pulse of the night. Everything was quiet, as though even the few stray people wandering the streets were being respectful of the night’s silent embrace. The owl was just an owl this time, not a warning.
Sabine opened her eyes and waited for Malek to crouch beside her once again. For such a large man, he had the uncanny ability to wrap himself in the shadows and move silently. Her suspicions deepened that he was much more than he pretended. But then again, they all were pretending to some degree.
“Does this look familiar?” she asked softly, reluctant to disturb the night’s silence.
“I believe so.” He gestured farther down the street. “Is there a butcher’s shop down that way?”
Sabine nodded. The area he referred to was more congested, but she’d have to take the chance on being recognized. Gesturing toward a trellis which had been a common climbing point for her over the years, she said, “We can get down to the street from here.”
Leading the way, she lowered herself using the trellis as a makeshift ladder. She dropped down the rest of the way once she was low enough and brushed off her hands while Malek started his descent.
Malek jumped off the trellis, landing lightly on his feet beside her. She started, and he chuckled. “You don’t have to look so shocked. I may not be accustomed to your rooftop traveling, but while my mischievous little sister was growing up, she often found herself in out-of-the-way places, particularly when she was trying to get out of her studies. I usually had to hunt her down before our parents discovered she was missing. It led me to climbing some rather tall trees and onto a roof a time or two.”
“You have a sister,” she murmured, touched he’d taken it upon himself to look out for her. From the way his eyes softened when he spoke of her, it was obvious he held a great deal of affection for his sister. “You two are close?”
“Aye,” he agreed, considering her thoughtfully, and then his lips curved in a smile. “Her name is Kaia. It’s been a few years since I last saw her, but I imagine she’s still getting into quite a bit of trouble. I just hope she’s better at getting herself out of it now.” He paused for a moment. “What about you? Do you have any siblings?”
“A brother.” Sabine looked away, not wanting to revisit the shadows of her past. Sometimes it was better not to speak of such things, especially when the night was eager to capture careless words and send them back to those who might be listening.
Without waiting for a response or giving him a chance to ask more questions, she headed down the alley and toward the main thoroughfare. Sabine leaned forward, peering down the street. A couple of guards were patrolling farther down the block, but their gait was leisurely and unhurried.
Sabine frowned. In a quiet voice, she said, “Once the guards pass, we can move down the street. Dax has probably paid them off to keep an eye on this area, and I’d rather not be spotted by them.”
Glancing in the direction she indicated, he nodded and then stepped back into the shadows. She followed him and leaned against the wall. Closing her eyes, she listened for footsteps. Malek didn’t say anything else, but she could feel him watching her. Expectation and anticipation hung in the air as they waited.
Only a handful of minutes had elapsed before the sound of the guards’ approaching footsteps interrupted the silence.
“Hey, you,” a man’s voice called from the same direction as the footsteps. “Move along. You can’t sleep here on the street.”
Sabine’s eyes flew open, and she grabbed Malek’s arm to pull him away. He shook his head, pointing toward a building across the street from where they were hiding. An unconscious man with a bottle in his hand was in a nearby doorway, and the guards had obviously decided to chase him off.
Sabine tensed, scanning the dead-end alleyway for a place to hide. If they climbed the trellis again, they’d be spotted. It was too risky to try to use her magic to shroud them from view, but if the guards turned around, they’d be in clear view. It was unlikely the guards would trouble her too much, but Dax would kill Malek if he found out he’d accompanied her. Not even her mark on Malek’s wrist would stop him.
Yanking off her heavy cloak, she tied it around her waist to cover her weapons and give the appearance she wore a dress. With her hair unbraided and covering her ears, it might be enough for the guards to overlook them. At the very least, they might not recognize her right
away and would assume they were two lovers engaging in a quick tryst in the alley. Malek’s expression became quizzical, but she ignored him and gripped his shirt tightly.
“Kiss me,” she whispered urgently, aware they only had seconds to pull off this ruse.
“What?”
She pulled him toward her just as footsteps rapidly approached. Awareness filled his eyes, and he lowered his head, pressing his lips against hers. She put her arms around his neck, listening for the guards.
Malek wrapped his arms around her, drawing her even closer. Focus was critical, but his nearness affected all of her senses. Oh, this was a very bad idea. The taste of his lips and the scent of his skin were heady, threatening to overwhelm her from pure sensation. Despite the danger of the approaching guards, he took his time, tasting and exploring her mouth. Malek did have magic, but she couldn’t tell how much because it was tightly controlled and suppressed.
She whimpered and softened against his body, unable to resist him. Part of her was tempted to claim she was merely playing a part, but she wanted this. She wanted him. Unlocking his magic wouldn’t be difficult, but she wasn’t willing to force him into revealing his secrets before he was ready. This kiss was only a hint of what could be between them, and she suspected this brief taste of him was never going to be enough. But the timing wasn’t right—for either of them.
The footsteps faded, indicating their ruse had worked, but she couldn't bring herself to pull away just yet. She nipped at his lower lip, and he groaned, his hand sliding under her shirt and brushing against her bare skin.
Sabine broke the kiss suddenly. If she continued kissing him, she'd forget why they'd come here tonight. The temptation to trace her power over his skin was overwhelming. Running her hands down Malek's chest, she managed, “I think they’re gone.”
Malek's breathing was as rapid as hers, and she could feel his heart pounding beneath her fingertips. He searched her expression for a long time. “We could pretend the guards are still here.”
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