Page 49 of Ancient Magic

“So whatcha want.” He slammed the empty mug on the table, releasing a loud belch. “I got some crank, grit, moon rocks.” He paused, eying her expensive clothing. “I can get my hands on some dragon scale, but it’ll cost you—”

“I have a few questions,” Maya smoothly interrupted.

The male snorted. “Then you’re talking to the wrong guy. I ain’t got no answers. Not for nobody.”

She slid the second mug toward the male. “Here.”

“Thanks.”

This time, Long Jong tried to pace himself. He took a gulp and set the mug back on the table.

“These are simple questions,” she assured him.

He scowled. “About what?”

“About the passengers you drove to Valen Corporate Headquarters this afternoon.”

A shimmer of crimson rippled over the muddy brown eyes. Her question had struck fear in the male.

“I don’t talk about my customers. It’s bad for business. And worse for my health.”

Maya leaned forward. “It will be our secret.”

“Look, I don’t know who you are, but...but...” The words faltered as the potion flowed through him. Maya hadn’t bothered with a truth serum. The demons who’d hired him had been bold enough to stroll into Valen’s lair in broad daylight. They were either suicidal, or more likely well organized. It was possible they’d given their servants a potion that would erase their memories if someone tried to force the truth out of them. Instead, she’d slipped him a love potion. It was short-term, but for the next few minutes he was going to worship her. “Who are you?” he breathed.

“My name’s not important.”

His jaws bulged, as if he was instinctively battling against the compulsion. “I should go.”

“Stay.” Maya reached out to touch his beefy fingers that still gripped the mug. “I insist.”

There was a low grunt, his broad face flushing as the potion finally took full effect. Then, leaning back, his resistance visibly melted.

“Okay.”

“Look at me,” she commanded.

His gaze latched onto her face. “You’re so beautiful,” he breathed.

“Do you think so?”

“The most beautiful woman in the world.”

“And you want to make me happy?”

“More than anything,” he rasped. “Tell me what you want.”

Maya smiled, trailing her fingers over the wood of the table as she whispered a spell. The air tingled and the sound of the increasingly noisy bar faded to a dull thud. She didn’t want anyone trying to overhear their conversation.

“Tell me the names of your passengers from this afternoon.”

“I didn’t get any names,” he said, his expression drooping as if he was disappointed he couldn’t give her what she wanted.

Maya kept her smile intact. She’d already suspected that the demons weren’t going to make it easy to track them down. That only made her more determined.

“Are they friends of yours?”

“Naw. I never seen them before. Not until I picked them up.”

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