Page 81 of Feathers of Ash and Hope

“Do you have more than those two daggers under your dress?”

“Now, wouldn't you like to know that?” She gives me a slow smile that makes me much too aware of how close our bodies are. The twinkle in her eyes tells me she knows exactly what she’s doing, and damn if it isn't working.

I take a deep breath of the frigid night air and quirk an eyebrow.

She laughs softly. “Can’t blame me for trying.”

I’m still shakingmy head when Ara is safely back in her room, and I make my way back to the tavern. This woman is trouble in all caps. Who leaves her family for a “vacation” only to join a fight force known for decimating their applicants in droves?

I do buy her wish for standing up for herself and getting out from under her brother’s wings, it even makes sense that shethought she would draw less attention by posing as a boy, but I would bet my life on it that there’s more.

Four brothers ... no wonder she knows how to get under a man's skin.The thought of having a little sister like that is enough to give me gray hair.

And the way she shimmied up that rainspout like it was a damn ladder and in a dress… I have a suspicion she doesn't care to use the front door at home either.

I’ll need to keep an eye on her.

“Yeah right, that is the only reason you’ll keep an eye on her.”Daeva laughs at me.

“Oh, shut up,”I grumble.

I push into the tavern, and I’m instantly enveloped by warmth and the smell of beer and food. The guys are already well into a round of cards as I settle back in my seat. My beer is warm and has lost its foam, but I take a big gulp nonetheless, trying to wash away the scent of her still lingering in my nose.

“That was quick. Didn't think we would see you back here, Centurion,” Boko teases and laughs at my crude gesture. “Only Jared here was even quicker.” That earns him a jab from the right.

“I would have taken my time with someone like that in my arms.” Tanner winks at me.

“With you, that means all of what...two minutes?” Boko evades Tanner's punch, laughing.

“Careful with your teasing. I see a pattern there, Boko. Wouldn't want anyone to suspect you are lacking in that department, do you?” Howling laughter meets Jared's comment.

“Seriously, Centurion, how did you do it?” Miller, the youngest of our bunch, looks at me with something close to adoration. “You were gone for not even ten minutes, and the next thing I know, you have your arms around that beauty.”

“Must be that face of his. It sure isn't his sunny character,” Jared teases and nudges my shoulder. “I got the other girl safely home. But she was concerned for her friend. Who is she?”

With anyone else, I would have kept my mouth shut or made up a story, but it’s Jared. My best friend and partner in crime since his mother let us out of her view. He knows all of my secrets. I hesitate for a second, then lean closer.

Boko claims this round of cards, the others swearing about their bad luck and handing over coins reluctantly. I use the commotion to fill Jared in.

“No way!” His shout causes all heads to turn in our direction. I give him a reprimanding stare, and he drops his volume to barely audible. “She turned into you before I came close enough to see her face. Now I know why. Damn.” He chuckles. “Now what?”

I shrug. “I will keep an even closer eye on her, I guess.”

“Not such a hardship, is it?” He only grins when I glare at him. There is a lot of teasing coming my way, I’m sure of it.

“That girl has trouble written all over her,” I grumble.

“That was your middle name, last time I checked.” He smirks. “So does that make her yours?” I’m shaking my head at my best friend. If I’m smart, I’ll stay far away from Ara. She could make me lose my fucking mind.

I nod at Boko’s silent question when he starts dealing cards for a new round.

“Seriously, if you aren’t interested—” Jared leans closer and smirks. “I already liked her, but after the comment this morning and seeing her in that dress… I might just be in love.” I growl at him, and he chuckles. “So you are interested,” he concludes, and I realize provoking a reaction out of me has been his plan all along.

“Not sure that even matters. The way he acts around her, I’m pretty sure she’s with Cassius,” I answer even though the thought irks me.

Not for you,I remind myself. I have no place even thinking about her in that way, not while I have a target on my back. She’s a runner, and I am her centurion, for fuck’s sake.

And now I will be around her constantly for the next week, if not more.I groan at that thought.

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