Page 16 of Bargains with Benefits
She nodded, pulling that ridiculous shawl tighter around her shoulder. “A magic school for humans, half-fae, and those of multiple courts.”
“The Bayside Times received an unsubstantiated tip that your father was bribing the governor to stop its progress.”
I didn’t think it was possible, but her face went whiter.
Before I knew it, my tea was on the end table, my forearms propped on my legs as I leaned farther forward, interlacing my fingers to stop myself from reaching for her. “I have to stress that the tip is unverified.” I didn’t need to mention what I’d overheard in the stairwell yet.
“Then why are you investigating it?”
There were a lot of things I could say. I didn’t want someone with prejudices doing it. It was my job. I shook my head, letting my hair fall over my face. If we were doing this, I was going to be honest. Our bargain would benefit both parties, and I would ensure she knew that. I lifted my head, meeting her earnest gaze. “I’ve been trying to write something other than ‘Benefits of Magic’ for over a year. This is my chance—the story I was given.” I swallowed. It was odd to admit such a private desire toa stranger. I knew I’d done the right thing when my wind quieted with the admission.
She looked…understanding.
Too much raw truth hung between us. I strived to wipe some of it away, like it was a stain that needed cleaning. “I was the only one on the paper who won’t assume he’s guilty from the beginning.” Admittedly, the stairwell conversation had tipped my opinion a bit, but still, I’d do a proper investigation.
“Because you’re old fae?” she asked.
“Yes.” I cleared my throat. “Others on the paper don’t have the best opinions of the old fae families in Sandrin. I recognize some of it is deserved, but it’s not universal that all old fae oppose change.”
She tilted her head. “So, you’re different? You’re not like them?”
I wasn’t entirely sure if she meant I wasn’t like other old fae or like others on the paper. My wind swirled as I considered her question. I wished I knew the answer to either. As far as old fae went, my parents and I saw things very differently. So much so that I’d moved out of our family home last year. Leaving was a big deal for a fae, especially since I was my father’s heir. Few were aware—my parents had kept it quiet to save the public embarrassment. I didn’t care so long as I was free of them. Moving out and working at the paper hadn’t magically granted me clarity about all things fae and human, though. I still didn’t know where I fit.
“I’m not sure.” I shook my head. My honesty about such personal topics was uncharacteristic. Usually, I’d avoid them, but something about her drew me in and churned at my insides until verbal vomit spewed forth. Even with the offensively bright patterns of the mismatched blanket wrapped around her, she was enchanting.
No, I couldn’t think that way. Maybe we’d had a moment last night before she’d been called away, a shared smirk andunderstanding of my magic. It surged inside me at the thought, but I tamped it down. Whatever might have been, I’d most certainly ruined it with my request to investigate her father. I gritted my teeth, unsure if that bothered me.
She ruined it first, though. All she wanted was my recommendation. I’d lost count of the number of times I had thought people liked me only to realize they wanted something from me instead. Our bargain would be transactional, nothing more. I’d cling to that.
“What would my help investigating him entail?” she asked.
“I’d need to get into Pierce House, probably look in his office.”
She stared blankly.
“Even if you can’t access his financial records, I only need time there alone. I know what to look for.” I’d been raised to run my family’s estate. I was sure Darius’s records were similar.
Her bright blue eyes blinked faster, almost like she was holding back tears.Wind ruffled my hair and hers. It was the first time it had made itself known in our conversation. I tilted my head as I considered why. Then Luna’s hair swirled, and a smile broke the sadness that had crept across her features. Her hand raised as if…
“Are you trying to pet my wind?” I asked, dumbfounded.
She glared at me, pulling that hideous shawl closer. “Maybe. It was being good.” Her words were defensive, but she was smiling. “When do you need to know?” she asked, changing subjects.
“Know what?”
“Know about the bargain?”
My brow furrowed. “What is there to know? Either we do it or we don’t.”
She ran a hand through her hair, pushing the out-of-place blond streaks back. “I don’t know if I can get you into Pierce House.” She folded her arms across her chest.
The picture of her name on a separate page in the court record flashed in my mind. I knew there was strife between father and daughter, but maybe I’d miscalculated how much.
She shook her head again. “I’ve never been to the family home. I don’t know if I can get you in. And even if I could, I don’t know where anything is. If that’s what you need in this bargain, I can’t help you.”
I am an asshole of the highest order.Wind rushed through me in agreement, like the bottom was dropping out of my seat. Words flew from my mouth without thought. “If you’re willing to try then I am.” I held up my arms, gesturing to the inn. “You’ll have to talk to him about this place, won’t you? We can work on your piece and only publish it when both sides of the bargain are met.”
She studied me, and her bright blue gaze was penetrating in a way I didn’t care for. I broke from it only to be captivated by her mouth as she sucked the inside of her lip in consideration.
