Page 47 of Kiss of Light

“Yes. So we’ll lay low tomorrow. Can’t move while the sun’s out. But as soon as dusk hits, we’ll be on our way.”

“You got transport?”

“Not any we can use.” She dug into her pocket and threw the Dodge car keys on the counter. “I’ll trade you this for whatever you’ve got.”

Avery picked up the fob.

“Hellcat. Nice. Stolen?”

“Sort of. And there’s half a chance the guy I took it from might come looking for it. But if you can lend me something, I only need it as far as Colorado. Then you can have it back.”

“Colorado?”

Tala saw him frown and realised she shouldn’t have mentioned her destination.

“Forget I said that.”

“But you don’t mean… not the Dolores Gate?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“The Dolores Gate is suicide!”

“Seriously, Avery, the less you know the better. I don’t want you to have any information that can be forced out of you.”

“Who’s going to ask? Nobody knows you’re here.”

“Still. I’d hate anything to happen to you after I went to all that trouble to save your sorry ass.”

Avery tapped a finger on the counter thoughtfully.

“I know you lost out on a lot of money when you reneged on that contract for me. I have a pickup you can use.”

“Thank you. And some cash, if you have it. We’ve had some unexpected expenses.”

“No problem.” He studied her for a moment. “I still think about that night, you know.”

Tala groaned inwardly.

“Avery, don’t.”

“I often wondered what I’d do if I saw you again. What I’d say to tempt you back into my bed. But now that you’re here, I realise it was just a one-off for you, wasn’t it?”

“I’m pretty sure I made that clear at the time.”

“You did. You were brutally honest. But I might have tried to change your mind on that, except I see now there’s no point. Not with Darian Lemar in the picture.”

She stiffened.

“What do you mean?”

“You came to me for help. And we both know you would rather gnaw your own arm off than turn to a former conquest for assistance. Not unless you were desperate.” He shrugged. “The Count is important to you, isn’t he?”

“He… I… this is about doing what’s best for Nush’aldaam,” Tala said hotly. “And keeping a nutjob off the throne.”

“Sure it is.”

“Thanks for the drink, Avery.” She downed the last of her champagne and slammed the glass on the counter. “And the cellar. And the pickup. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

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