Page 120 of The Secrets of Jane: Reborn

Jesper is the first to strut in the room, at least half a dozen guards standing outside to shut us inside.

For a brief moment, I’m terrified he has something else planned. That Anya will be in here, or a siren will be served for dinner.

I survey every corner, looking for anything that would suggest such torture.

Nothing.

Except for some food—realfood—on a table, along with a pitcher of wine. The scent of roasted meats makes my mouth salivate.

Then, the doors behind us are shut, and I make eye contact with Jesper.

This is not going to go how he thinks it is.

J A N E

“You seem relieved,” he casually states, that dark gaze roaming over me.

“I um,” I stammer, trying to spin this in a way he might like. “I worried for a moment that I wouldn't like what I saw here.”

His smile is thin, his hands sliding into his pockets as he paces around the room. “Come now, Jane. Like Morvock, those within my circle will know nothing but luxury and a good life.Cross me, and I will ensure I live up to his shadows. If I enjoy you, I may be able to extend your life even more. Morvock is not in a rush, you see… more so, in a rush tosecureyou. Once that has occurred, he can wait, if need be. You could become a queen and live a full life…” His eyes are dark and predatory. “If you submit properly.”

Gods was this man born in the pits of Skull’s Row? He’s justgross. “I have not been known to be tamed,” I say, slightly demure.

If I can even be such a thing.

Jesper’s smile widens, a glint of amusement making my stomach churn. “Makes sense, given your father. That could create a strong lineage.”

Not with you, fuckwit.

My breathing quickens as I move to the piano, the motion deliberate, almost too obvious, especially since I did it as if I forgot a line in a play.

“So, your mother played?” he asks, as if catching on. “I didn’t know they had many pianos in Skull’s Row.”

“My dad has a way of securing unusual things,” I smoothly reply, staring at the creamy keys, the painted wood slightly chipped in the corner, my vision honing in on it.

Jesper sinks into a nearby velvet couch, the color a bright red. His posture relaxes as he spreads both arms out on top, but his gaze never leaves me. “Can you play?”

“No,” I say, running my finger along the smooth wood. It’s cool beneath my touch. “I just… like to look at it.”

I have no fucking idea how this thing works.

“Strange. She never taught you?”

“She taught me how to heal,” I reply, my voice quieting as I try to recall my mother’s face, focusing on her for my strength. She’d tell me Icando this and that I’ll be okay. And to probably embarrass the shit out of him by following through with myplans. “I didn’t want to learn the piano. It required too much sitting.”

Grazing my fingers on the smooth keys, I hope the act makes me appear wishful. The weight of his scrutiny only grows heavier, and it doesn’t help that I want to walk away from this thing to eat some food, my gaze drifting when I see there’s even apie.

“Please, help yourself,” Jesper offers, his voice so kind and polite.

I trusted Soren not to poison my food when he said he didn’t need to. This one, though? The doubt isreal. The thought of acting tonight—right now, or very soon—sears my mind. Who knows when I’ll get this again, if at all? I don’t have toescape. I just need to free some sirens and then Anya, who can shapeshift and get herself out of here.

As long as I’m ready to stab a few guards, steal their keys, and act with precision, I can make this happen.

So, should I?

“What are you thinking about?” Jesper’s voice cuts through my thoughts.

“I just don’t know how much time I have. If I should spend it sitting here or eating some food.”