Page 90 of Blood and Thorns

“No. He’s always been overprotective.”

He was right; I was pleasantly amused that someone as powerful as Sebastian had people caring for him enough to be overprotective. “That’s nice, that you have people looking out for you like that.”

Sebastian frowned, his fingertips tracing my hand. “And you don’t?”

I laughed, but there was no humour in it. “So, you going to share why we’re here?” I looked down the street, at the broken windows and abandoned buildings. This part of the city seemed to have been forgotten by the council, leaving it to become derelict and desperate.

“I have someone I need to meet, and you said you wanted some fresh air.” He looked down at me, his expression cold even as he held my hand.

It was a strange contrast, especially when he pulled me closer.

“So… no mask?”

“Not unless I want to start a war.”

The Fluffy Duckling looked completely out of place amongst the rest of the street, with its adorable theme and old, Tudor-style building.

The outside was untouched, unlike the surrounding businesses that looked worse for wear. There wasn’t a scratch on the windows or a dent in the door. Inside was warm, with a few patrons turning to glare before quickly returning to their drinks once Sebastian turned his attention to them. Luckily it was quiet, considering it was early.

Everything seemed made from the same type of wood, from the tables and chairs, to the long, worn bar and decorations adorning the panelled walls. It was rustic and incredibly hostile if I went by the bartender’s scowl. Nothing “fluffy” about this place. Not to mention I didn’t see any ducks anywhere.

“???? ????? ?? ????,”the bartender muttered, shaking his head. “Sasha won’t like this,” he continued in English, his Russian accent thick enough it took me a moment to understand.

“We have a truce.” Sebastian’s hand tightened in mine. “I’m looking for a man named Ryder.”

The bartender’s thick brows practically rose to his hairline. Without another word he nodded to a man at the end of the bar, his dark hair around shoulder length as he spoke animatedly with another patron.

Although, he clearly wasn’t reading the vibes, because his friend was looking at him like he was debating whether he’d get away with murder.

“And I was like… of course it’ll fit, love,” Ryder said, ending the comment with a chuckle. “As if… Hey, are you okay, mate?”

The unnamed man paled, eyes widening on Sebastian who’d moved to stand behind Ryder. With a single jerk ofhis chin from Sebastian, he scrambled from his seat, and Ryder frowned, watching his companion leave in a rush.

“What the fu…”

Sebastian gestured towards the vacant stool, moving behind me like he was death personified. Ryder blinked, barely giving Sebastian a courtesy acknowledgement before settling those warm brown eyes on me.

“Why, hello there, love,” he purred. “What’s a pretty girl like you doing in a shithole like this?” He was typically handsome, with straight features and a sharp jawline that held the faintest stubble. From the way he stretched his legs beneath the bar, I would also guess he was almost as tall as Sebastian, just not as broad.

“Are you Ryder?” Sebastian asked, his tone so icy I was surprised frost didn’t appear.

Ryder grinned, finally looking up at him. “Never heard of him.” Taking a long drink from his glass bottle, Ryder slammed it onto the bar. “Now, if you’ll excuse me…” He went to stand.

“Sit. Down.” Sebastian’s tone left no room for argument. “Or you won’t like what happens.”

Ryder’s smile turned fake, revealing dimples. “Do you know who owns this pub?” He looked around, as if manifesting help from the surrounding wood. “I don’t think he’ll be too pleased that you’re threatening his loyal customers, now, would he?”

“I have a proposition for you,” Sebastian said. “I need you to find something for me.”

“Mate, I think you’ve got me mixed up with someone else. I’m just trying to enjoy my drink after a hard day’s work.”

“I’ll pay 50k.”

“Fuck me.” Ryder coughed, choking on his own spit. “Now, I’m clearly at a bit of a disadvantage. You seem to know who I am, but I have no idea who you are.”

“He ownsThe Thorn,” I said, noting how his smile didn’t tighten or slip. Only the slight narrowing of his eyes gave away his understanding. He knew exactly who Sebastian was.

“Thought you were supposed to wear a mask?” Ryder hummed, but when he didn’t get a response, he continued. “The Thorn’s supposed to be a nice place. Not that I know personally, considering I’ve never been allowed in. Bit elitist if you ask me.” He raised a sly eyebrow.