Page 3 of Caged By Dance and Desire

He rose. “Kill the girl. Gently, if you care for her, but kill her. These liaisons never end well. For us, or for our humanconcubines, and in the end a gentle death is all we can offer mortals once pleasure is spent.”

Historically, he was right, so I didn't argue. I stood as well, Constin at my side. “You will hold your silence.”

“I will.” Ashlyun inclined his head. “I have little interest in matters such as this, and you and I are not yet enemies, nor do I see any advantage at this time in us being so. You mentioned another matter.”

It was not an idle question, though he spoke lightly. I held his gaze. “The human displayed signs of Ixnie addiction.”

Ashlyun’s eyes, already dark, went black. “I. . .see. My remaining week will not be so quiet after all. Perhaps my previous warning wasn’t as widely received as I had hoped, proving mercy oft backfires. I will bestir myself to insist my District be cleansed of this nuisance.”

He also disliked unnecessary work, and the few times in the city’s history he’d been moved tofocus. . .I almost pitied whoever fell afoul of him while in this mood.

“Our Lord is gratified by your attention to this matter,” I said. “She isn’t fond of narcotics.”

“No, as we all well know.” He returned my thin smile with an almost sweet curve of his lips. Constin stiffened. “I am pleased to release the human female to your care, then, in light of the difficulty in my domain. I may call upon you for a small favor in the future.”

“Of course you will.” I bowed, not low enough to indicate deference, but low enough to indicate respect. “Lord.”

Ashlyun returned the bow. “Lords.”

When Con and I entered the coach, I said, “Ashlyun is losing control of his District. I want this narcotic rooted out and the labs destroyed. And I want to know if it’s being distributed at the Arts.”

“Do you think your mortal knows?” Con asked softly.

I shook my head. “No. I’m certain she doesn’t.”

But if the drug was being dealt in the Arts building, when Hasannah’s connection to me was revealed, she would be in danger whether she knew anything or not.

Chapter

Two

HASANNAH

Unhappy with my urge to warn Larry, I wrung out the rag and set it aside, drying my hands and slipping my feet into a pair of house shoes before I exited my apartment. I made it two steps before a baritone voice spoke behind me.

“Lady? Do you require escort?”

I jumped, then twirled to regard the green-and-gold armored warrior who hadn't been there a moment before.

“Um. . .” was not the most intelligent response.

Who could blame me since House Casakraine seemed to fill their barracks with runway models and pop idols?

This one stood as tall as Andrei, with broader shoulders and thighs—the armor was that well fitted. Dark brown skin with a reddish undertone gleamed under the weak lights of the hallway, tightly curled hair shaved in intricate designs on the sides, revealing pointed ears.

“You're one of my. . .quad?”

He bowed, his russet brown eyes watchful as his mouth curved in a diffident half-smile. Real diffidence, not Andrei’s playacting. I realized instinctively that he’d been trying to imitate this man, who I couldn’t view as a threat even if I tried. Dangerous, but not a threat, at least to me.

“Yes, Lady. I’m called Mathen.”

I hesitated. “I don't need an escort. I was going to see the building manager.”

Mathen shifted his gaze away from me, brow furrowing slightly. “Would you consider waiting for Lord Andrei? I can summon him. He would accompany you if you wished.”

“I don't wish. Either Andrei's company, or to wait.” I softened my tone. “It's nothing to concern your Lord with. I don't want to take him away from his business.”

He nodded. “I will accompany you.” It wasn’t a suggestion.

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