Page 74 of Stars in Umbra
Their gazes weren’t casual; they were a blend of surprise, awe, and a healthy dose of fear.
Mo, meanwhile, appeared oblivious, or perhaps used to the kind of regard they received.
Nonchalant and relaxed, he prowled forth like a king walking among his loyal, adoring subjects.
‘Molan,’ a deep voice called out. The couple turned.
A man loped toward them, long, black hair caught in a jewel-studded bun, with loose strands falling to his shoulders.
His beard was thick and braided, heavy with gold threads and gems that caught the firelight.
More glittering jewels were embedded above his brow, and a freakin expensive chain on his neck echoed the precious stones in his beard.
His robe, cut from obsidian silk, swirled with his movements, its hem brushing against polished ebony boots.
‘Damn, still rocking your rogue prince look,’ Mo teased as the newcomer pulled him into a fierce hug, clapping his back.
‘It works, doesn’t it?’ the pirate countered, his voice rolling like warm thunder.
Mo grinned. ‘Brother, this beauty with me is Rina,’ he said. ‘ A Colonel no less, so if you play around, she’llfokkyour shit up.
Duke threw his head back in a rumbling laugh. His grin was broad, knowing, and carefree, a grin of a man who won, lost, and wagered it all for the thrill.
His kohl-lined eyes studied her.
‘It’ll be worth it because saints save us, she’s radiant.’
Heat flared across Rina’s cheeks. She dipped her chin. ‘Radiant is a strong word, but I’ll take it.’
‘Mi kaya, meet Soren Dukarat, AKA Duke, Iccythrian prince, fixer, and all-around scoundrel.’
The ridiculously handsome man bent over her hand and kissed it.
‘Rina smiled, her eyes immediately warming to Duke. ‘Quite the charmer too.’
With a grand sweep of his hand, Duke led them further inside. ‘Come, drinks are on me. First round only, mind you, so you don’t think I am too generous.’
He led them past the main bar, weaving through patrons who greeted him and Mo with claps, bows, and winks.
They sat at a secluded cubicle upholstered in rich, crimson velvet with a perfect view of the central floor where dancers twirled and musicians sent their rhythms across the room.
Duke flagged a server, ordered an Iccythrian spirit for Mo, a wine for Rina, and a platter of skewers glazed with spiced honey.
With a smile and bow, he excused himself. ‘Stay, drink, eat. This place is yours tonight. As for me, I must away, duty calls.’
He was gone, melting into the crowd with a predator’s ease. His grin flashed as he clasped shoulders, whispered to associates, and charmed every soul.
Rina leaned back in her chair, watching the pirate prince work the room like a king with no crown. She found herself smiling.
‘You’re quite the celebrity here,’ Rina murmured, leaning close to Mo.
He smirked, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. ‘My former profession gave me a certain reputation. Gun-running has a way of doing that among our clans. We value morally gray edges and the individuals who command them, and for a season, I delivered.’
‘Still do, from the looks you’re getting.’
It became apparent that Mo had the kind of gravitas that didn’t need to book a table at this place.
As they settled in, several other Iccythrians approached Mo.
