Page 157 of Blood Stone

“How many spies did you send in before Cyneric?” Sebastian asked.

“Seven,” Khurshid replied.

“They all failed?” Winter asked.

“They all died,” Nial guessed.

“It took nearly ten years for Cyneric to earn Heru’s trust and work his way into the household,” Khurshid said. “Now he is Heru’s advisor.”

Nial sat back, considering. “There is an inbuilt weakness with spies,” he pointed out.

“They can always be turned against you. Yes, I’ve considered that,” Khurshid agreed. “You’ll just have to keep your eyes open, won’t you? Cyneric is too sharp a tool to discard because the blademightslip. You’re aware of his talents? His knowledge?”

“I’ve glimpsed them, yes,” Nial agreed.

“Cyneric is a strategic advantage that could win your battle for you. Use him well.”

Nial hesitated. Then he nodded. “Again, I thank you, madam.”

Khurshid turned to face Winter. “Now I must settle the debt between us, child. What is it you would ask of me?”

Winter smiled. “Nothing, madam. I did not do it to run up a debt. It was simply something I could do for you. A kindness.”

“Nevertheless, such an overwhelming kindness requires acknowledgment. Tell me. You must want for something that I can supply.”

“I have everything I need, thank you, madam. You are most kind for offering.”

Khurshid frowned. “For your husbands, then?”

Winter’s smile broadened. “I would do anything for them, it is true, but I would rather be the one to do the acquiring for them. It has more meaning that way.”

The limousine came to a gentle halt and the interior lights began to glow softly. The vehicle shifted slightly as the driver got out. The door would open in a few seconds. They had been returned to their hotel, where Khurshid had picked them up.

Khurshid caught at Winter’s wrist as she slid along the seat toward Sebastian, closer to the rear door.

“Wait,” Khurshid said.

Winter looked back. Nial and Sebastian remained seated.

“I will return the debt with information. There’s something you should know about your director friend, Kate Lindenstream. Cyneric unearthed it.”

“We already know,” Nial replied. “Sebastian found it. He’s no slouch at research, either.”

“I doubt you reached as far as Cyneric, Sebastian,” Khurshid replied. “Or none of you would be calmly sitting here now.”

Sebastian glanced at Nial. Then he turned to face Khurshid squarely once more, his features tight. Braced. “Tell me,” he demanded.

* * * * *

Kate woke disoriented, but it lasted for perhaps three heartbeats. She woke to the feel of lips on her forehead, another pair on her shoulder and two bodies on either side of her. Both Garrett and Roman were holding her. It was Garrett behind her, his long length propping her on her side, his arm over her waist and his long fingers cupping her breast. Roman’s legs tangled with hers and his biceps pillowed her head.

“She wakes,” Garrett murmured.

Kate smiled. “I guess we know what it takes to make me pass out now, Roman.” She opened her eyes and looked at him.

His mouth quirked in a grin. “This was not what I had in mind when I said it.” He glanced at Garrett, letting his gaze flicker over her head. “But it’s a fair substitute.”

She felt Garrett’s short exhalation against her back. Silent laughter or a gusty snort of disbelief.