Page 24 of Carry Your Debt

“I don’t believe he’s here yet,” Sabine’s saying, both her tone and body language oddly rigid.

“It’s not like Sebastian to let you out of his sight for so long,” the man we now know to be Midas hums back across the rim of his glass.

Sebastian?

Everything about Midas—from the way he holds himself, to his voice—is like a big jungle cat in repose. Relaxed, yet brimming with power. Ready to spring forth at a moment’s notice. Our girl must sense the same from him.

I know she’s only been back in our lives for a heartbeat, but I’ve yet to see her present herself with anything less than complete self-assurance. Even with Sloane coming at her from day one, she’s taken everything on the chin, nerves taut like steel.

She didn't so much as flinch when Reynolds literally held a gun to her head.

But something about this man’s presence seems to melt straight through that steel like a hot knife through butter.

“It’s been, what, two months now? That’s certainly plenty of time to get yourself intoall sortsof trouble, isn’t it, little rook?”

The danger implied by that sultry cadence alone sends all the hairs on my neck rising. There’s a way in which he delivers each subtly probing question that makes it clear they’re more than simply small talk between guests.

They’re a threat.

Sabine narrows her eyes ever so slightly before visibly stiffening, catching herself. It’s ablink-or-you’ll-miss-itmoment,almost entirely hidden by her mask, but even just that small flash of her usual spine has my dick kicking in response.

There she is.

There’s the girl ballsy enough to address the Crown Sovereign by nothing but his chosen name.

She remains cool and dismissive when she replies, “School’s got me busy toeing the line.”

“Ah yes. Odd choice, starting your senior year at a brand new school,” he muses, before taking a deep, deliberate sip of something amber and expensive.

My spine jolts, the observation—again so casually delivered—sending a whole new chill creeping across my skin.

Because why wouldhebe keeping tabs onher?

Is he having our Academy watched?

“Just needed a change of scenery. As you can imagine, it’s a little much always having these guys breathing down my neck,” she returns with a forced shrug and a little wave in the direction of the men still very much crowding her in.

Midas is silent for a moment. I imagine his brows lifting as he waits for her to elaborate. “And? Made any newfriends?” he prompts when she fails to do so, taking a smooth step toward her.

The group at her back immediately bristles at his attempt to close the distance between them. Something that has myforehead creasing. There’s no arguing the man himself exudes very clear and obvious danger, and understandably, most people would feel cornered if they had the direct attention of the leader of half the fucking country’s criminal population.

But does this level of caution toward Sabine’s person seem…dare I say….excessive?

“I’m still finding my way around.”

Again, she lobs back a perfectly polite but total non-answer. She obviously has experience playing political dodgeball. More importantly, it’s becoming increasingly clear she’s not afraid to spike a few back herself.

Midas takes another slow mouthful of his drink.

The anticipation has my insides feeling like they’re performing an entire gymnastics routine. Sabine looks like she’s bracing herself while he considers her. Even Atlas shifts uncomfortably, his elbow knocking against mine.

“Well, you’ll honor me with a dance, won’t you?” Midas drawls right as I'm beginning to think the man’s about ready to move on. His posture remains relaxed, which does seem to ease a small amount of the tension holding those around him hostage.

My lips thin with irritation, however. I don’t care how powerful this guy is, I don’t want his hands on or anywhere near her.

“Two left feet,” Sabine shoots with a pained smile that’s more a baring of teeth than anything remotely apologetic.

“Hmm,” the Sovereign chuckles, undeterred. He lifts his glass for another unhurried sip. “I don’t mind leading.”

---