Page 34 of God Touched

"Yes," he said through gritted teeth. "I do like the dress."

"What about my boots?" Imogen moved the slit of her dress to show him.

"Why are you like this?" he complained.

Imogen's answering laughter died on her lips as a woman's graceful arm trailed over Arawan's shoulder. The dark-haired beauty was dressed in a revealing red dress that showed her slim form. Red eyes looked Imogen over like she was prey.

"Sorry I'm late, my lord. Who is the fat breather?" the woman asked, continuing to appraise Imogen with a sneer.

Imogen's lip curled. She knew who she was in a way the woman in front of her couldn't imagine. She was scars and cellulite, ripped jeans and attitude, and she had long stopped giving two fucks about anyone's opinion about her.

She had put on a fuckingdressthat night. She looked hot as shit, and she wasn't going to put up with anyone trying to make her feel otherwise.

Imogen glanced at Arawan, a silent plea that clearly said,"Please let me go get my battle-ax, and I'll show her exactly who I am.

Arawan's lips twitched in a reply,We need her to get information about Hafgan…then you may kill her.

"I'm Imogen. It'ssonice to meet you. What's your name?" she asked enthusiastically. She plucked the woman's hand off Arawan's shoulder and gave it a vigorous shake that made the woman stumble slightly in her shoes.

"I'm Caitrin," she said, now confused.

"Awesome. You want to be my new friend? I'm new around here and would love…"

"If you'll excuse me," Caitrin said and quickly walked away. Arawan covered his laughter with a cough.

"Wow, she seems nice," Imogen commented.

Arawan's mouth twitched again. "She's a wraith. They are all like that. You probably made an enemy for life with that display."

"I'll add her to my growing list." Imogen allowed herself a moment to just look at him.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing at all. Now, you really need to fuck off and let me get to work," Imogen said.

"Are you trying to tell me what to do?"

"Yes, because you will ruin this plan if you hover over me all night."

Arawan lifted his glass to his lips. "You didn't seem to mind me hovering all over you the other night."

Imogen went hot all over. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of showing him how he affected her. "Hmm, you've been thinking about that ever since, haven't you?"

"Perhaps," he replied, leaning closer. Imogen had to get away, or she would be the one ruining their plans. She wasn't going to be the only one flustered if she had anything to do about it.

"In that case, I'll give you something new to think about." Imogen looked around before whispering conspiratorially. "This dress you like so much? I couldn't wear underwear with it."

While Arawan looked like his brain was short-circuiting, Imogen slipped back into the crowd.

She was sure Caitrin would be hovering about, ready to swoop back in to keep him company. Imogen tried not to let the proprietary way the wraith had touched Arawan get to her.

She wouldn't be able to feel him up quite so well if she had a broken hand.

With that thought warming her, Imogen worked the crowd. She had learned many awesome skills over the years, and pickpocketing was a favorite.

While Imogen laughed and flirted with every courtier that crossed her path, she searched pockets, stealing notes and small trinkets easily. She learned many things, and within an hour, she knew who was sleeping with whom, which wife hated what lord, and how they all longed to see more of the modern times if Arawan would allow it.

"Lady Ironwood, I seemed to have lost you in all of the excitement," Owain said, appearing from behind one of the nearest pillars.

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