Page 40 of Aria's Desire

“You can find out which rooms we’re staying in, I assume?”

He nodded, his expression halfway between sly, sheepish, and a little offended she even had to ask.

“Go there if you need to hide out or rest.” She hesitated before adding more, but something told her he’d appreciate her frankness. More than that, she didn’t want him being careless. “I don’t want the target on our backs being painted on yours, so be sneaky, and make sure no one sees you.”

Understanding crossed his features immediately and his gaze became entirely too knowing for one so young. “I know how to watch my back.”

She believed him, and it made something in her chest tighten sharply. She tried to keep it from showing on her face, but couldn’t quite stop a sad sigh. “If you know of any other kids who need hel- a job, send them my way, yeah?”

He frowned at her, giving her a look that was almost pity, as though she was the one who needed his help instead of the other way around. “I hope you’re not this nice to everyone. You won’t last long.”

Unsure whether she wanted to laugh at his bluntness, cry a little at his jaded view of people, or be touched by what appeared to be genuine concern for her, she settled for a wry smile and returned his earlier words. “I know how to watch my back.”

He hummed neutrally and sized up Rellik and Sin then relaxed like he’d decided they were fearsome enough to keep her safe. Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she ignored her men’s badly hidden chuckles that this kid apparently thought her too soft-hearted.

Speaking over them, she said, “Go about your day like usual. We’ll find you later.”

Hesitating again, she almost didn’t, but he didn’t have any weapons that she could see, and from the scars visible on his arms and chest, and the fading bruise along his jaw, he could use one. She held out the throwing knife he’d tried to steal, making his eyes go wide.

“Here. You know how to use this, I hope?” At his quick nod, she let him take it. “Only use it if you have no other choice.”

“Yes, damsa,” he whispered, quickly tucking the knife out of sight, his grip and the fluidity of the movement reassuring her he really did know how to use it.

Before he could walk off she added, “And do me a favor. Find something more… age appropriate to sell, would you?”

He smirked, his eyes twinkling. The look was so similar to one she'd seen on Rellik it took her off guard. “As you say, damsa.”

As he turned and hurried off, she had a feeling he’d only said that to appease her and had no intentions of actually doing as she’d asked.

Definitely a miniature Rellik.

Chapter 22

As they left the castle and started toward the outdoor market in the larger, outer courtyard, Aria felt Rellik glancing at her repeatedly. “What?”

He cleared his throat. “You were good to him.”

A frown flickered across her brow as she looked up at him, unsure how he meant the statement, said softly with something like wistfulness. “Did you expect me not to be?”

“I- no. I just… he reminds me of me.”

She snorted lightly. “I caught that, too. I mean the orange eyes, sure, but the swagger.” Aria didn’t mention the vulnerability in Vekai that also reminded her of her devil, or the life he was clearly living, suggesting Rellik had lived a similar one.

Rellik smiled briefly but it faded, replaced by a look she couldn’t interpret but that made her feel… exposed, like he was seeing something in her he hadn’t before. Sin, when she glanced at him, had a similar look on his face, doubling the feeling that she’d revealed something they found surprising.

“What?” she pressed, narrowing her eyes at both of them.

Sin smirked, flashing a hint of sharp, white teeth, but his eyes stayed soft as he answered for Rellik, rumbling, “You like children.”

She opened her mouth then closed it again, frowning. “Why is that surprising?”

Sin shook his head, still smiling, still looking at her softly. “It is not.”

Well, isn’t that irritatingly enigmatic.

They reached the closest stall of the market then, leaving her to puzzle over their sudden strangeness.

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