Page 12 of Flying Blind

“So, that is making a bit of sense. The thug blinded you?”

“Yes. The banker told him to prep me.”

Randolph paused and then nodded. “How did you get away?”

“He left me to go for lunch, and I dislocated my thumbs and got out of the cuffs, and then I ran, holding onto the buildings. Wren found me on the street and got me to the hospital. She stayed with me until she handed me off to Luna, and then they got me away again, and your grandma offered to take me in and help me through this.”

“She is very perceptive and always at the right place at the right time.”

“She definitely is. I could not have come this far without her.”

He continued stroking her arm. “So, you have some choices rising. You can either spend the rest of your life on the stage, waiting until another triad of demons converge on you, hobble you, and keep you in their clutches, or agree to let me find others to complete your legion. The marks are on you. Nothing else can be done.”

She stared forward. “So, who are the other guys? So far, I know you like to fly helicopters and enjoy strippers. It sounds like a fascinating start to a relationship.”

He chuckled. “That is not a no.”

“Well, as much fun as being stalked and pounced on by voids I can’t see coming, the hobbling is a little much. What is hobbling?”

“Breaking one of your legs so you are dependent on your mates. It keeps you from running.”

The matter-of-fact voice made her shiver.

He sighed. “I will not be doing that, nor will the others I have chosen. Demons are not usually pleasant, but I have selected a few that value business over rutting. Unfortunately, one is out of town for a few more months.”

“Delightful. So, which of the others is here in town?”

“He isn’t, but he’s nearby. He will focus on his work until our third returns to town.”

“Randolph?”

“Rayd.”

“Mr. Nickelson.”

He snorted.

“What do the marks mean?”

“Dedication, focus, passion.” He was smiling. She could hear it.

“You are kidding.”

“No. They represent each of the primary interests of your mates. I am dedication. It is my responsibility to select the others.”

“What about the original team?”

“I am guessing that it was focus who took you. They aren’t good at violence and have minimal dedication. Passion was the one with the brands and cuffs.”

“And acid.”

“Yes. May I see the damage?”

She paused and then pushed the lace out of the way. She turned her head to where he was seated, and he touched her cheek, tilting her head. “Well, thankfully, he was neat. Once you are mated, you will be able to regain your vision, in a way.”

“What?” She could feel his breath on her skin, and it sent a weird pulse through her.

“You will be able to pull on our vision through that brand and regain your own. You will be able to see again.” He brushed his lips against hers, and she blinked.

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