Page 91 of A Rose Among Snakes

I faced the shopkeeper and said, “I’m so sorry, but that’s my brother, and I have to be off.”

The old man smiled sadly, and a lump formed in my throat. I placed one hand on his arm and said, “Thank you for your help. Hopefully, I’ll be back someday and you can show me more.”

“Of course, Miss. It was my pleasure. It’s been some time since I was able to share my love of music with someone new.” His eyes misted. “Enjoy the rest of your day.”

I walked out of the shop without looking back, but with a subtle flick of my wrist, I dropped the pouch of coins I’d beenconcealing in the folds of my skirt. Behind me, I heard the old man say,

“Miss, wait-”

I brushed past Enverro, who was grinning and bouncing on his toes. “Go, don’t look back,” I said.

“I feel so alive again.” He fell into step beside me.

“Did you get everything?”

“Of course, I did. I could have gotten more, but I stopped myself.” He rubbed his hands together as we walked up the street keeping an eye out for the others.

“You have a problem,” I said, shaking my head and stepping around a cart full of fragrant spices.

“A problem, or a gift?” He gave me a smug smirk, and it hit me who he reminded me of. Jem. It was the ridiculous ego and boyish charm. Fondness swept through me as I watched him, and I resisted the urge to scold him further.

Ahead, I spotted Velian by the gate leading to the castle road. He was listening to a plump woman with ruddy cheeks and lines on her face that spoke of many years of scowling, but she was smiling at Velian. She said something and he threw his head back in hearty laughter. My heart swelled just looking at him, and the sound of his laugh sent tingles of pleasure through my limbs. Eventually, he bowed to the woman and walked back to Enverro and me.

“Well?” Enverro asked.

“We’re in,” Velian replied. “How did you do?”

“Don’t insult me,” Enverro said, his tone haughty, but his eyes still sparked with exhilaration.

“I wasn’t asking you,” Velian said, moving to my side.

I shrugged and Enverro said, “She did great. That old man was putty in her hands.”

Velian’s smile was sultry as he locked eyes with me. “Aren’t we all?”

Warmth bloomed on my cheeks, and I knew it was pointless, but I still shifted my face downward as if it could hide my flush.

Enverro groaned, “Where are the others?” He stepped away to peek around the corner for them and Velian moved closer.

“Do you have the pouch?”

My eyes widened as I looked up at him. “I don’t, I’m sorry. I gave it all to the shop owner.” Velian raised his eyebrows. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking. He was just so kind and seemed lonely-”

“It’s fine, Mihrra,” he brushed a knuckle along my jaw. “I trust your judgment.”

The creaking of a wagon rattling over the cobblestone streets pulled our attention. Denzen sat in the seat, directing a set of oxen toward us. Enverro pointed him to the alleyway where he’d stashed the stolen instruments. The wagon rolled to a stop and out of the back jumped Corman and Paolef.

Corman asked, “Are we good to go, Boss?”

“We are,” Velian answered as he motioned that Enverro needed help with the instruments. The wagon was quickly loaded and Paolef and Enverro hopped in the back while Denzen took hisseat. Feeling jittery, I stepped forward to follow them, but Velian snagged my arm, pulling me to his side.

“Mihrra, I need to say something to you.” He wrapped his hand around mine and led me deeper into the alleyway, positioning us behind a stack of pallets. We stood facing each other, his emerald eyes swimming with apprehension and fervor. He ran a hand through his hair before taking both of my hands in his.

“This is so selfish of me, and maybe it’s not the right time, but I don’t know what the rest of this day holds.” He pressed his lips together, eyes scanning every inch of my face. My pulse quickened. “Mihrra, I’ve spent a majority of my life keeping people at arm’s length, but as hard as I’ve tried, I can’t stay away from you. You are the most captivating woman I have ever met.” Shaking his head, he let out a huff of laughter. “I can barely even think straight when you’re around.” He paused, searching my face again.

I was frozen. My stomach was doing backflips, but I had no idea what my face conveyed.

“I don’t expect you to feel the same,” he continued, “especially after the role I’ve played in disrupting your entire life, but I didn’t want there to be anything left unsaid between us.”

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