Page 38 of Savage Devotion
She's been both victim and practitioner.
"And now?"
"Now I fight for coin rather than causes. Simpler. Cleaner."
Deflection. Partial truth.
There's more to her story.
More than professional curiosity.
Personal interest.
I care about her answer. Not just tactical intelligence or professional assessment, but genuine concern for her past and future.
Dangerous. Complicated.
Inevitable.
Like everything else about this day.
"Mercenary work has its own complications," I observe.
"Such as?"
"Conflicting loyalties. Professional obligations that contradict personal preferences."
Testing. Probing.
What happens when her contract conflicts with a growing attraction?
What happens when this alliance serves neither coin nor clan?
Her smile carries knowing challenge. "Worried I'll choose money over... other considerations?"
Direct question. Honest answer required.
Risk or opportunity?
"Yes."
Truth. Vulnerability.
Trust offered without guarantee of reciprocation.
"Then give me better reasons to stay."
Challenge accepted.
Game on.
Her challenge is charged with possibilities that make my chest tighten.Better reasons to stay.The words echo in my head as I search her face for answers to questions I'm not ready to ask.
What would those reasons be?
What am I willing to offer?
What am I willing to risk?
