Page 39 of Beneath the Starlight and Storms

Arden nods, losing some of his feigned ignorance. “Forced their way in and demanded it. I had no choice but to give it to them.”

“But instead of making me aware of it, you did a bait and switch?” Hook’s hand flexes at my side, the first crack in his calm demeanor.

Arden leans forward trying to plead his case, oblivious to Hook’s rising temper. “The item I found was a better replacement. It’s more sought after and powerful. I thought maybe—”

“I don’t pay you to think for yourself. I pay you to get what I’ve asked for and nothing more.” Hook’s eyes flash in fury as he growls out each word.

Cash takes a step closer, glaring at Arden with fire in his eyes. “Our men said the mere mention of your name had the others firing at them.”

Arden begins to sweat, his slow building fear quickly turning into utter panic. “The owner of that rare artifact wasn’t too happy with a previous job I did for him. I thought why not get us both something we want?” He wets his lips while fumbling around his words.

“You’d get a better deal on a powerful artifact and if you happened to sort out mylittleproblem along the way, then it was a win-win for us both.”

From the look Hook was giving him and the tension radiating off him, I doubted he felt the same.

“So, you not only lied to us and hid the fact that my item was stolen. But you also used my men and sent them in blind while you were fully aware of the danger.”

Arden's eyes widen in fear. “Everyone is aware of how powerful your men are. And the artifactismore powerful, I promise you that. I thought I was giving you a better deal.”

“You admit you used us?” Hook sounds calm. Too calm.

Arden’s gaze darts around us at the people that try to subtly watch what’s happening, pleading with any of them for some help. But no one interrupts us. In fact, most move further away and avoid looking anywhere near this direction.

Arden swallows hard. “I… I just… What I mean to say—”

“You can no longer be trusted. That much is clear.” Hook stands up and straightens his jacket. “Cash.”

Arden raises his hands in front of him. “There’s no need to—”

Cash walks over to Arden and drags him up by his collar.

“Who was the buyer?” Hook demands, giving Arden a hard look.

“I don’t remem—” Cash yanks Arden hard, making him splutter an answer.

“It was Basilius’ men,” Arden gulps. “The young Lord of the Dark Realm.”

Cash gives Hook a wary look. “It won’t be easy to get back.”

Hook clenches his jaw. “No, it won’t. But we’ll figure it out.”

“Tink.” I’m so absorbed in the little display of macho behavior that it takes me a second to realize Hook has called my name. I look up at him and find his eyes void of any emotion.

“Go get a drink. Get what you want but stay close to Cash.” He steps forward and drags Arden out of the booth before disappearing down a small hallway to the right of us.

It takes a minute for my stunned brain to catch up to Hook’sorders.

That thick headed— Stopping myself from losing it, I stand and make my way towards the bar, blocking Hook and his cold behavior from my thoughts completely. I’m halfway there when I feel someone following me.

Turning, I find Cash right behind me.

“I don’t need a chaperone,” I tell him.

Cash frowns as he glances around. “Don’t be difficult, Tink. This isn’t the type of place for someone like you.”

Someone like me? What did that mean?

“I can take care of myself, Cash. I’ve done it far longer than I’ve known Hook and will continue to do it, long after.”

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