Page 32 of The Elven Spymaster's Thief

Solon glared. “You tricked my sister into a bait and switch.”

“I offered her a place as my companion, and she accepted.”

“Why would she?” My brother waved toward me. “I was providing for her. When we made our agreement, you promised to send money.”

“There was no money,” I commented.

“What!” Solon adjusted his stance as though readying for a fight. “So, you are a cheat as well as a backstabber.”

“She was sent to steal from me by Grimore, her current employer. Once I realized who she was and what she wanted, I offered her a solution.” Whispier calmly turned to me. “We negotiated terms. She accepted. Have I upheld my end of our agreement?” he asked.

“You have.” Carefully keeping my expression neutral despite the sudden memory of his kiss the night before, I glanced at Solon’s flushed features. The anger in his eyes hadn’t dimmed in the least. “I bargained for your freedom in exchange for companionship. So far, I have been very well cared for and protected. He even tolerates my teasing.”

Whispier’s green gaze warmed as he studied my face and the corner of his mouth lifted ever so slightly. “I did tell you that you were welcome to annoy me. You are only fulfilling the contract.”

“By launching rolls at your head?”

A soft smile spread across his face. After the impassive mask I had grown accustomed to, the smile was blinding. “Among other things.”

“Wait!” Solon took a step toward Whispier, but Dargan moved to intervene with a raised hand. Solon immediately stepped back again, rubbing his chest. “Let me get this right. You sent money to my sister, and she never received it?”

Whispier’s amusement disappeared instantly. “Exactly.”

Solon stared at me in blank horror. “So, you have been?.”

“Well,” I insisted. “Once our Aunt threw me out of the house, I sought out work. Grimore was hiring thieves. All I had to do was pass a test, and I was hired.”

“What test? You aren’t a thief.”

“They trained me.” I met Solon’s worry with a smile. “I am the best of Grimore’s resources when he needs something acquired.”

“Were,” Whispier clarified. “You are no longer working for Grimore.”

I rolled my eyes at him. “Fine. I was. Happy?”

“Satisfied,” he responded.

Solon’s gaze flicked from Whispier to me and back as though he had just realized something. “And the money?”

Whispier tensed. “The situation will be rectified in time.”

Solon narrowed his glare. “When?”

“Have you ever known me to leave things undone?”

To my surprise, Solon accepted this with a brief nod.

Whispier met Dargan’s frown with a grimace of his own. “Of more immediate concern is the fact she is being targeted.”

“By whom?” Solon demanded.

“Why?” I asked. “Why would anyone want me dead?”

The spymaster studied my brother’s blade. “I intend to find out.”

∞∞∞

Chapter Nine

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