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The sorceress gestured to an empty table. “The leech and I will sit there while the two of you speak with Vex. First sign of trouble, I’ll bail and take the idiot with me. If this deal falls through, I’m sure we can find another buyer to recover our losses. ”

Drazen scanned the patrons seated closest to us, his expression wary. “If this fails to make Vex happy, it will take more than another buyer and a chest of coins to save our asses.”

The two men stalked across the crowded room, heading for a darkened table in the corner. Runa and I sat with our backs angled toward the wall, the room visible before us. The sorceress remained close, her infernal dagger ever at the ready. The idea she believed it a threat was somewhat endearing.

I rested my manacled hands on my lap. The buzz of their enchanted metal prickled my skin. “You sent the hot-head and Kronk to negotiate with the mob boss?”

“Vex is a sexist pig, kind of like you. It’s best I sit this one out. Drazen isn’t the only one with a temper.”

“No kidding.”

She clenched her free hand on the table. “The offer of a gag still stands.”

“Bondage and knife play. Kinky girl.”

“You wish,” she said with an eyeroll.

Did I? Perhaps if our roles were reversed…

A vision of Runa tied beneath me, my dagger at her throat, held a certain appeal.

“Waitress,” I said to the buxom female who’d stopped near us. “Bring us two tankards of your best ale.”

“What are you doing?” Runa clamped her hand down on my thigh and squeezed.

To my frustration, my manhood took notice of her intimate grip. Probably due to the image she’d provoked.

“Blending in,” I answered. “You did order me not to draw attention. Sitting in a bar without a drink in hand will look odd.”

“I cannot wait to be free of you.” She released me with an exasperated snarl. “One more stunt like that, and I’ll deliver you to Vex in pieces.”

I glanced at the male who had my bandits tied up in knots.

He was a large bastard with a barrel chest, deep jowls, and a thick neck.

“Vex isn’t unfamiliar.” I racked my memory.

“Ah, yes. I remember now. Back in the mortal world, my men arrested him for slaughtering a pack of shifters and selling their body parts on the black market. I seem to recall that he didn’t discriminate, murdering adults and children equally.

” I’d been all too happy to send such a despicable character back to the land of my birth, unleashing him on those who’d scorned and abused both me and my mother.

Let the filthy inhabitants of Carcerem deal with him.

At Runa’s indrawn breath, I smirked. “Are you sure you want to do business with this male?”

“You’re lying.”

“Am I?” I wasn’t.

When she cast another worried glance in Vex’s direction, I took the opportunity to study her partners. Kronk sat with his arms folded, stony face a mask of rage. Though Drazen had his back to us, smoke coiled above his head. Apparently, the negotiations had taken a turn for the worse. Good.

“Tell me, pet. How did a charming sorceress like you become a criminal?” I observed the group at a table next to us. The closest had a scabbard and sword belted around his hips. Not a bad option, but it would be difficult to wield with my wrists bound.

The glare Runa cast me was devoid of amusement. “If you think to distract me so you can grab that sword, it won’t work.”

Touché . My lips curled. “You wound me. Perhaps I’m merely making small talk. After all, it’s been years since I sat in a bar next to a beautiful woman.” This, at least, was the truth.

“First, I’m charming. Now, I’m beautiful,” she snorted. “Do the women in your world actually fall for that bula dung?”

“You may find this surprising, but women have been known to fall at my feet with but a crook of my finger.”

“You don’t say.” She batted her lashes. Her lavender eyes sparked with an evil gleam that wasn’t unattractive. “Perhaps you should switch tactics then and not speak.”

This time, I was unable to stop the smirk that curled my lips.

Now, I was genuinely curious. “Fine, we will barter then. If you answer my question, I’ll answer one of yours.”

She narrowed her eyes, taking my measure while I considered the dagger she pressed to my side. This weapon I could wield easily with my hands bound.

As if she could read my thoughts, she offered a winsome smile. “Do it, and I’ll cut out more than a kidney.”

My smirk spread into a grin. “I love it when you talk dirty to me.” Strangely, this, too, was another truth.

“You first.” Sadly, she ignored my taunting. “Explain to me why the mortal world banished you.”

“Easy enough. I was framed.”

At this, she snorted a laugh. “You’re kidding. The Great Victor Custodis was outwitted?”

I scowled, not appreciating her laughter. “Even the mightiest of leaders can have a bad day.”

“Bad day,” she scoffed.

“You’ve never made a mistake?”

Her smile fell. “I’m beginning to think this conversation is one.”

Two tankards slapped down before us. The waitress held out her palm and snapped her fingers.

“Don’t suppose you’ll be paying.” Runa glowered at me.

It was yet another reminder I was a pauper with nary a cent to my name.

No power. No title. Vulnerable. Focus, dammit .

It was past time I parted ways with my bandits.

Still, I found myself responding in a teasing manner, unwilling to end our conversation.

“I believe I am here as your guest by your invitation.”

Under her breath, she muttered, “And he claims I’m the criminal. ”

As she slipped her fingers into a coin purse attached to her belt, a plan took shape. I could knock the ale into the sorceress’s lap, grab the dagger while she was distracted, and take the waitress hostage, making my escape. And yet, for some reason, I hesitated. Our bargain wasn’t fulfilled.

Once the waitress accepted her payment and disappeared into the crowd, I turned to my companion.

“I answered your question. So, tell me, little thief, what led you to a life of crime?”

Shadows darkened the exotic angles of her face, and she lowered her gaze to the tankard in front of her. “The false king. He takes more than the realm and its people can afford to give. I felt it was my duty to help restore the balance.”

When she met my gaze, the depth of emotion in her expression shot right to my core. The predator inside of me woke. The same predator that, for centuries, had peeled back the layers of a person’s psyche to reveal their deepest, darkest secrets. Secrets I would then exploit.

Runa had answered my question, but I sensed she’d given me a half-truth.

I leaned closer, drawing in her delightful scent. With her heightened emotions, her fragrance intensified. The spicy burn heated my insides. “And what, little thief, did this false king take from you?”

At her hesitation, my desire to take, to use, to destroy shifted. That familiar urge twisted, became something darker, more primal. Had this supposed king touched her? I clenched my fists in my lap, my fangs burning.

Shouts rang out from across the room.

“Raid!” a male seated at the table next to us bellowed.

Six milky-eyed soldiers wearing purple capes pushed through the front door. Curse the female and her tricks. While keeping her off balance, I’d gotten caught in my own trap.

I eyed the guards, considering the latest obstacle to my escape plan. Conclusion? This was not the sort of aid I desired. Getting tangled up with the authorities would only delay my search for a portal home.

“Runa, run!” Kronk shouted as four of the robed guards headed straight for her partners.

The other two took one look at the sorceress and darted in our direction. While Vex remained seated at his table, a feral grin pulled wide across his jowls. It took but a second for the details of the situation to real themselves to me. Seemed I’d been handed the opportunity I’d sought after all.

“Sorry, pet. It appears you’ve been double-crossed.”