Page 25 of A City of Hearts and Feathers

"Thanks, but it still doesn't help me decide what to do with the codex once I have it. Do I sell it to the light or the dark? Do I keep it? Do I throw it in the Bosporus?"

Kahil knew what he was meant to say, but he hesitated to do so. He went with a less aggressive approach. "Whatever you do, it's your choice, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise."

"What would you do?" she asked.

Kahil didn't need to think about it. "I would give it to Arslan."

"Because he is your Grand Master?"

Kahil shook his head. "No, because he's been trying to find a way to break his curse since he put it on himself. We know that the codex contains spells of necromancy, but it also might contain information that could help him with his immortality."

"Is that why you are all being so nice to me? Because you want it too?" Zoe asked, her voice going small.

Shit. He really didn't want to upset her, but he wouldn't lie to her either.

"I won't say we don't want it. Arslan does, but he will make an offer to buy it like everyone else. He would want to get it from you as legitimately as possible," Kahil hurried to explain. "We are helping you because that's what the Order of Anubis does. Your family is neutral like us, and your father almost became a brother. We have always been allies. It doesn't matter what you choose to do with the codex. We will still be your friends."

Zoe swallowed hard and nodded. "Okay. I'm sorry I… I have been used a lot by people over the years, and I can't…"

Kahil placed his hand over hers before he could second guess himself. "I get it, Zoe. You don't have to be sorry for asking a completely logical question. We are here for you. You can trust the contract, if you can't trust me."

"Weirdly, Idotrust you. Despite everything else going on, I know you won't hurt me," Zoe replied. She patted his hand. "I really shouldn't worry about such things until I actually have the codex together. One thing at a time."

"You will find it soon enough. You're clever as hell and will work out whatever clues Oman leads you to."

Zoe smiled so brightly, it felt like he had been punched in the sternum. "You are very confident in my abilities, Kahil. I don't think anyone has believed in me so much."

For some reason, the softness in her voice made Kahil want to take her in his arms and never let her go. This smart, gorgeouswoman had been treated poorly by people, and it made him want to protect her from it ever happening again.

He realized he was staring at her, so he quickly said, "You're the brains. I'm the brawn in this adventure. You focus on the codex, and I'll make sure you live long enough to find it."

"Deal." Zoe moved their hands so she could shake his properly. "The brawn also has to cook because that was amazing."

"Deal." Kahil lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. "But you have to clean."

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Zoe forgot that she had someone in her home until she went into the bathroom the following morning and found bottles of product that weren't her own. They smelled like spice and male, and there was a lingering smell of cedar, frankincense, and black pepper. It was the kind of scent that made a very female part of her sit up and take notice.

It wasstilltaking notice an hour later when Zoe was stuck in a cab next to Kahil's bulk. They were heading to the Grand Bazaar as he had promised, and Zoe tried not to worry about what the day would bring.

"You are suspiciously quiet this morning," Kahil teased, his curls blowing in the salty breeze. They were crossing the Galata Bridge, where men with tall poles were still fishing the morning tides and gossiping together.

"I'm not a great morning person in general," Zoe admitted. She couldn't see Kahil's eyes behind his aviators, but she could feel the amusement radiating off him.

"You don't say. I didn't notice from your grunts this morning."

Zoe stuck her middle finger up at him. "It's been a weird couple of days, okay? I don't think my brain has fully caught up with everything yet."

"It's better to just roll with it, Zoe." He pointed out at the churning blue sea. "Go with the tide."

Zoe sighed. It was a beautiful sight. She loved the water, and it was nice to be living so close to it again. "Yeah, that's not really how I operate. I'm a 'stick to routine, control my environment' sort of person."

"You are doing fine, Zoe. I think your body remembers the magic in your old life, even if your mind doesn't." Kahil toyed with her earring playfully. "As long as I'm around to guide you, nothing is going to mess with you, baby."

Zoe pushed his hand away. "If you say so, Virgil."

Kahil's laughter filled the cab, making her smile. He said something to the cab driver in Turkish and relaxed back into his seat. "I'll make sure he drops us off the right entryway into the Bazaar. Otherwise, everyone hocking cheap jewelry and crap tourist trinkets will try and get you to buy something."

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