Page 75 of Reckless
“Yes, what a complete oversight on my part.” I step aside, giving her clear view of the street. “Now go show me what you can do.”
“I already have, Prince,” she huffs, pushing past me. “When I stole from you, remember?”
Oh, I remember.
I trail behind her, watching as she peeks her head around the corner of the alley. I move to step behind her before her hand finds my chest, pushing me back without bothering to glance at me. I’m not used to taking orders, let alone being shoved aside. But I roll my neck, swallow my pride, and take a step back to lean against the wall and watch her work.
Several carts rumble by the mouth of the alley we’re standing in, but she stays still, not wanting what they’re selling. After several minutes, I see her shoulders tense, her body lean forward in anticipation. And then I see why.
When the next cart passes by, she doesn’t hesitate before stumbling into it. With flailing arms, she knocks a pile of colorful skirts onto the ground. If I had blinked, I would have missed the subtle kick as she tucks a skirt beneath the cart.
“I am so sorry, sir!” Her voice has jumped an octave, sounding innocent and ignorant. The merchant swears before looking up to identify the culprit. I fight the urge to break the man’s jaw when his gaze softens with each second spent greedily running his eyes over her.
“My fault, miss,” he says silkily, moving to brace a hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right? That was quite the tumble.”
“Much better now, thank you.” My eyes roll involuntarily. She bends to pick up the pile of skirts before placing them back onto his cart. “I’m just so embarrassed!”
“No need to be, my dear.” His hand is back on her shoulder, and I’m considering breaking it. “Say, if yer not busy right now—”
“She’s occupied, actually.”
Dammit. I just couldn’t keep my mouth shut, could I?
The merchant’s eyes meet mine, as though noticing me for the first time. He doesn’t bother responding, only offering a curt nod of understanding. With one last lingering look at Paedyn, he turns to continue pushing his cart down the street, oblivious to the skirt he’s left behind.
Paedyn quickly snatches the cloth from the ground before the man has a chance to turn around and see it. Then she steps back into the alley, raising an eyebrow at me.
“What?” I grind out.
She snorts. “Possessive, are we?”
“I chained you to me. What do you think?”
She ducks her head, smothering a smile as she begins unfolding the skirt. Lucky for us, the styles in Dor consist of breathable cloth made to wrap around the body. The skirt is nothing more than a large sheet of fabric adorned with a tie, making it easy for Paedyn to fasten on over her thin pants.
“There,” she mumbles. “I’d give you a spin, but I’m afraid the chain won’t allow it.”
I skim my eyes over her, taking in the hem of the skirt that pools around her feet to cover part of the chain. “Much better,” I say, stepping around her to examine further. “That’s a great color on you.”
I can barely get the words out without laughing. The skirt is dyed an atrocious shade of yellow, clashing with her tattered green vest and tan skin.
“You’re hilarious. Really.” Her dull expression matches her voice. “I’m glad I can amuse you.”
I run a hand down my face, attempting to wipe the stupid grin from it. Then I’m crouching in front of her, glancing up at her in question. “May I?”
Funnily enough, those are the exact words I uttered before ripping the skirt of the dress she wore to the interviews. Though, I’m not planning to repeat history at the moment.
I push the skirt aside to pick up her boot. I hear the beginnings of a protest before I start wrapping the excess chain around her ankle. She quiets, watching as the length of links shrink between us until only a foot remains.
I stand, dropping the flowy skirt to let it drape over the rest of the chain still separating us. “There,” I sigh. “It’s hardly noticeable. Butyou’re going to have to walk very close to me. Maybe put your arm in mine, convince everyone we’re a couple.” Her brows fly up her forehead. “Think you can handle that?”
“Do I have a choice?” she huffs.
“Good point.” I nod. “All right, let’s go.”
She lurches forward when I take a shallow step. “Easy, Azer,” she hisses close to my ear. The arm she folds around mine grows tighter in silent warning. “I’m wearing a hideous skirtandan ankle chain. Don’t push it.”
I pat her arm with my other hand, taking slow steps onto the street. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Gray.”
