Page 9 of Bargains with Benefits
She broke the moment, winking, then running to the door and disappearing into the tavern.
My heart beat rapidly as I watched her go. She was the sea retreating from the shore it bore down on, and I feared she took a piece of me with her when she left. I shook my head free of the haze. One thing finally stuck out. Her name—Luna Pierce. There was only one Pierce family in Sandrin. An old fae she’d admitted to being mad at.
Maybe I’d started my investigation earlier than intended.
I think I just met Darius’s daughter.
5
Luna
“Did you really throw a drink at him?” Seraphina asked.
Blond strands flew from her messy ponytail, and her sharp features were made all the more so by the ferocity of her question. I knew I was in trouble when her hands went to her hips as she waited for me at the back door. I glanced over my shoulder at the retreating figure. No surprise he didn’t come back inside after whatever that was. I winced as I thought about it.
“I don’t remember deciding to throw it at him.” I shrugged. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened.” Honestly, I didn’t. One minute, the drink had been in my hand, ready to deliver, and the next, the glass was empty. Most unexpectedly, I’d felt completely calm about it. Like I’d unlocked some inner peace for the evening. It didn’t make sense. I could swear I didn’t flick my wrist to toss it at him.
But the empty glass in my hand had been pretty damning.
Even more so was the drink dripping down his perfectly carved features.
Seraphina waved dismissively. “Earl said he pulled some fae snobbery about the tavern. I can only imagine you were on edge after talking to Darius.”
In this case, I was lucky that one of my best friends was also my boss. “He said this place could benefit from some magic.” My skin prickled as I repeated the words. That eerie calm resurfaced. “It enraged me after Darius all but said the same about the inn.” That was true, but I still swore my wrist didn’t move. I didn’t toss the drink at the fae.
“It’s fine. Get back out there. We’re busy, remember?” Things must be alright if she could tease me. I turned, and she pushed me down the hall. “Try not to throw any more drinks at handsome fae.”
I glared at her over my shoulder and headed toward the bar, grumbling. Of course he was handsome. One glance at him told me the male was pureblood fae through and through, and old fae at that. His strong jawline and high cheekbones were framed by expertly tousled dark brown hair. My fingers had itched to run through it before he opened his mouth.Thathad ruined the view a bit.
What had happened with his wind, though? Old fae especially weren’t usually so quick to show their element. They had magic because they were fae, but it was more of a power symbol than a practical thing. His wind had swept in twice, and if the shock on his face was any indication, it wasn’t a common occurrence. I hadn’t lied to him outside, though. His wind was alright. It was…considerate that it dried my feet before I shoved on my boots. I even thought I had seen that consideration, if a little hesitant, in his deep brown eyes when he asked me about my day.
Odd for an old fae to show any consideration for someone likeme when his jacket cost more than my entire wardrobe. I winced, remembering the stains from the alcohol. His coat would have been Nora-approved, no mid-carriage ride change necessary for him. I glanced down at my sweater. Nora had insisted I return with it—for next time. The evening had cooled, so I’d kept it, but it felt all wrong. I rolled my shoulders, trying to get comfortable. Finally, I gave up, lifting it over my head, and hanging it on a hook. Maybe the fae’s words offended me because I still felt like one of them. This sweater made me feel like I was trying to fit in—trying to be something I was perfectly fine not being.
At least, that’s what I told myself.
Darius offering me the position at the inn wasn’t acceptance. I knew that, but I still found it confusing. He had never shown outright malice like Byrd. Darius’s crime was one of apathy, and maybe it still was. Perhaps this was only a temporary crossing of paths.
Another quiet part of me said that even if he hadn’t seemed invested in the inn’s fate, he had at least offered me the position. That was something. I was determined to save it. When I did, this crossing of paths would be more than temporary. We’d have to address our relationship at some point. Although that was not something to look forward to. If anyone deserved a drink thrown at him, it was Darius.
I silently cursed myself for my lack of control and slipped behind the bar. Seraphina followed, and I could feel her worried glance. Upon my return, Evelyn was at the counter with orders before I could fully organize my thoughts, and I was swept back into the buzz of the tavern with little time to think about my father or the handsome fae.
Earl flagged me down to order another. His wave was more energetic than usual.
“What can I get you?” I asked. His wife had joined him—a woman with black hair and a generous smile.
“Did you figure out who he was?” Earl asked, leaning forward conspiratorially.
I shook my head. “Who?”
“The ‘Benefits of Magic’ fae!” Earl squeaked. His wife touched his elbow, trying to calm him down. He turned to her. “You don’t get it, Daisy. Luna might have thrown a drink at him, but she’s his biggest fan.”
I waved him off. “Just because I read everything he’s ever written doesn’t mean I’m his biggest fan.” Then my mind caught up with his words. “Wait, what?”
My mouth opened, but nothing came out. I was speechless for the second time tonight. I needed to wish things to return to normal for Long Night. This was getting out of hand. “That was not the recommendation columnist,” I whined, placing my forearms dramatically on the bar and letting my head hang between them.
“Afraid so,” Earl said.
Seraphina sidled up next to me, gently patting my back. “Everything alright over here?”
