Page 12 of Dishonor Among Thieves
“So, Miss Eloise—” Rain began.
“Brex is fine,” I corrected, watching Neo as he gathered speed and paced more frantically across the black tile floor.
“My brother here, despite his lack of manners, has spoken of very little but you since leaving Fish Head End yesterday.”
I flushed and looked between the brothers. “If his current mood is any indication, he’s not had the most pleasant first impression of me.”
Rain laughed, his face warm and inviting. “His current mood is his forever mood these days.” He walked to the window and clapped his brother on the shoulder. “I’ll leave you two to talk,” he said, but before he left, he leaned close to his brother and spoke softly under his breath. I don’t think whatever it was he said left a favorable impression on Neo, because he snorted and pulled away from his brother’s hold.
Rain strode through the room, pausing beside me before leaving.
“Brex,” he said. “I know my brother and I have a difference of opinion on many topics, but we’ll both agree that a young woman cannot be turned out into the night without home or host. I’ll have Antonia prepare a room for you and will bring my wife by to meet you before the household retires. You’ll be welcome here for the night, no matter what that one says.”
He hooked a thumb toward his brother then left the room, closing the heavy door behind him. Once we were alone, neither Neo nor I spoke. And then, of course, we both began speaking at once.
“You shouldn’t be here,” he said. “I told you not to come.”
“That’s not true! I thought I would be welcome,” I said, unable to keep the hint of embarrassment from my voice.
I grasped the touchstone around my neck and remembered my pride. My purpose. I had nothing to be ashamed of. Other than a few stolen sausages and a couple mugs of ale, there was no debt between this man and me. Other than the natural imbalance that the circumstances of our lives had created. And for that, I should be angry—not ashamed. If he had any sort of a moral compass, he’d feel the same.
Neo uncrossed his arms and sighed but clamped his lips closed, so I went on.
“I need a job, and I thought you’d give the one you have to someone else if I waited until next week. It’s rare that passion and initiative is discouraged by an employer, but I’ll make a note you prefer your staff…to be what, exactly? Lazy? Indifferent? Unmotivated?” I probably should have moderated the tone of my voice, not to provoke him into further anger. But when I challenged him, he didn’t react, just looked me over with obvious uncertainty.
Those honey-gold eyes seemed intent on learning all my secrets. He stared at my face, my lips, my eyes, as though I was a puzzle that could be fitted together if he just looked long enough.
“Who are you, really?” He crossed the floor, his fine shoes echoing on the polished tile. He stopped a few inches from me and explored my face with his molten gaze. “Youoverheardthat I had a job—which, by the way, was intended for my friend. A man with whom I have long-established history and trust. What if the work was unsavory? Involved a criminal aspect to it? Who are you, and why are you so blasted persistent about working for me?”
I had no chance to explain when he whirled on me anew, pointing a finger in my face. “Your sister,” he demanded. “Where is this sister you spoke of so poignantly? Does she know you delivered yourself to the doorstep of a strange man, demanding employment, the details of which you know nothing about?”
At the mention of my sister, I felt suddenly weak and overly hot. I loosened the laces that fastened my cloak and set on a hand on the back of one of the lush settees. “May I sit?” I asked quietly. “I will be honest with you, but I’ve not eaten since last night and the day has been taxing. May I please take a seat and perhaps trouble you for some water?”
Neo’s eyes flashed something hard, as if he were fighting any feelings of compassion I might have evoked. He still didn’t trust me. One stolen eating blade and couple of bites of his dinner, and I was no more than a common thief to him. Even if his reaction wasn’t unreasonable, I had my dignity. I’d not stay where I was not wanted. The feeling was altogether too familiar and made the emptiness of my stomach fill with queasy discomfort.
He grunted under his breath before disappearing into a shadowy corner of the room. I heard the sound of water pouring into a mug.
“Here,” he said, his voice tight. “Take a seat. Have a drink.”
He extended the mug to me, and I accepted it with relief, my fingers brushing his as he passed me the beverage. His hand was strong, and the tops of his knuckles scarred in a way I hadn’t noticed the other day. I considered taking hold and looking at them, inspecting his hands for the stories they kept hidden, but I stifled the impulse. If the man were to eventually be my employer, displays of intimacy might send the opposite impression I intended. No matter how irrationally drawn to such displays I might be.
“Were you truly in prison?” I asked, gently perching on the edge of the furniture and sipping the water he’d poured. It was surprisingly cool and delicious, almost sweet, unlike the well water where I came from.
“In a manner of speaking, yes,” he said. “Through no fault of my own, of course.”
I bit back a smile. “Of course,” I agreed.
Just then a loud knock at the door announced Antonia’s arrival with a butler’s cart. “Oh good!” she exclaimed. “Happy to see you’ve been offered water and a place to get comfortable.” She glared at Neo and then nodded at me in approval. “I’ll have Dale clean your cloak for you, miss, and your shoes if you’d like.”
I shook my head, my mouth already watering at the promise of the food spread out on that cart. There were crisp apples, their pinkish-green skins promising sweetness. A selection of cheeses and breads, a bit of salted meat, and even a bottle of wine. I counted two mugs and wondered if my reluctant host would join me or watch me while I ate and drink my fill at his table.
“This is wonderful,” I breathed, leaping from the settee. I wanted to hug the woman, and tears stung my eyes. “I’ve not seen a meal like this in…” I choked back the words I wanted to say and simply admitted, “A very, very long time. Thank you. Thank you for your kindness. This is most generous of you.”
She seemed moved by my sincerity and sent another glare Neo’s way before she reached for my cloak.
“No, no,” I said, refusing to let it go. “I don’t believe I’ll be staying. I don’t wish to put you to any further trouble on my behalf.”
Neo’s head whipped toward me when I said I wasn’t staying, his glossy black hair reaching nearly to his elbows.
