Page 53 of Scarlet Mark
I chuckled darkly. “Oh, you will wish it was all talk later.” She’d met my blade, but that was merely an introduction. The Cavalieri called meDaggerbecause of my sharp skills in the field and my proclivity for using knives in the bedroom.
Amara would learn.
And she would beg for more.
Her lips parted as I allowed her a glimpse of the lethal promise beneath my skin. Sensual, yes. Deadly, too.
The urge to enlighten her with a thorough demonstration at the table hit me hard in the gut.
Then the door opened.
And Raoul entered.
I took another sip from my glass before catching Amara’s smoldering stare again. She hadn’t noticed our newcomer yet, too focused on me to look anywhere else.
“You know that message we discussed? I might be delivering it tonight,” I said casually as four men in suits walked in, joining Raoul.
Crime lords.
All of them.
The interest in Amara’s eyes died, but she didn’t otherwise move. A natural at deception, something I approved of greatly. Working together was turning out to be a lot more exciting than I originally anticipated.
Maybe I could recruit her for more missions in the future. It would be a good reason to allow her to live, what with having divulged everything about the Tabella Della Morte to her. Arthur would not be amused when I revealed that fact, though he had to know already. It was the only way to make Amara talk. She required trust, not torture.
Our food arrived just as Raoul and his party were seated on the other side of the restaurant, their table in perfect view of ours. It was as though fate had delivered me the winning hand.
The waiter returned with more water and tea, then left us to our meal. Which Amara seemed unable to touch.
I placed a few kebabs and a spoonful of rice on her plate. “Eat, or you’ll draw attention to yourself,” I informed her quietly while serving myself twice the amount. “I won’t let him near you.” I knew that was what had her nervous—she couldn’t see Raoul. It didn’t matter that they weren’t acquainted; he worked for the man who bought her. I understood her reservations.
Amara cleared her throat, giving me a nod. “Okay.” That single word warmed my heart because it signified trust. I promised to have her back and she believed me. It was a gift I gladly accepted.
She used her fork to remove the lamb and veggies from the stick, then picked up a few pieces of pita bread to create what appeared to be tacos. Or perhaps it was her version of gyros. She layered the bottom of one with hummus, added some meat and rice, and took a bite.
I swallowed my chuckle, admiring her for trying, and decided to follow suit. Because hey, it sounded good. So what if she was supposed to eat with her fork?
We dined in silence, her focus on me while I casually observed our quarry across the room. The couple dining nearby left partway through, but not without a few pointed glances our way that had my lips twitching.
“I think his wife is jealous of our kink,” I murmured, winking again at the woman. She turned a shade of purple as her husband practically pushed her out of the restaurant.
Amara shook her head. “You’re bad.”
“I know,” I agreed, taking another bite. “What do you think of your kebab taco?”
“It’s good.” She created another and took a bite, her gaze twinkling. At least she’d calmed down a bit, falling into our date once more. If Raoul didn’t have half of my attention, I’d have leaned across the table to tease her a bit. Especially as she no longer wore panties.
Mmm. We’d play later.
In fact, with the opportunity before us, I could just get this part of the mission over with now and move us forward a step on the list.
I swirled my water, wishing it was a scotch or a bourbon. Alas, alcohol in Cairo was uncommon. Another reason to accelerate the plan.
We were only here to deliver a message. The true fun would begin back in the States.
As if hearing my thoughts, Raoul stood and walked right past our table on the way to the restrooms.Oh, this is too easy.
Amara’s lips parted slightly upon finally seeing him. Having studied his photos all week, she easily recognized him, even from behind.
