Page 43 of Bloody Business

Lily set down her sketchbook and moved her game piece.

Gal glanced at the portrait of Julep.“That's coming along nicely!It looks just like her.”She had seen Lily drawing in the park and hired her to draw Julep as a birthday gift for her uncle.

“It's going to take a lot of work, still.She's so pretty!I don't know if I can capture it all on paper,” Lily worried.“She's like one of those old fashioned masterpieces that only belong in museums.”

“You're pretty, too,” Tashi observed, amused.“You must be used to it.”

She sent him an indignant look.“Have you seen those freckles?No one can compare to that!It's going to be a challenge to draw.”

She neatly ducked the compliment, but nobody called her on it.Lily was like that.

Zac gave Tashi the side eye.

Tashi grimaced.Lily didn't know how to flirt.It made her uncomfortable, so he'd change his approach.“I really enjoyed those pretzels.Do you make them often?”

“Thanks.This is only the second time.”

“What else can you cook?”

“Oh, bread, stew...”Her voice trailed off as she focused on her work.

Gal smirked and moved her game piece.

Tashi gave her a meaningful look.Help!

She rolled her eyes, but said out loud, “No need to worry about getting the drawing done all in one sitting.We can do this again next week.”

Lily looked up, hopeful.“Really?That would be really helpful.”She visibly relaxed.

Tashi smiled.“Good idea.I'm really enjoying this game.Same time next week?”

“That would be great!”Lily said enthusiastically.

Gal smirked at her brother.“Yeah, I think that would be fun.”

War is Glorious

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