Page 118 of The King's Man
Unsurprisingly, male eyes rose and scanned her. But most took one look at me and turned away like the wise men they were.
But one human dressed all in black with his hood up even here, though it didn’t obscure his face, let his eyes linger too long.
I growled at him as we drew close. He shrugged and went back to his drink, but I kept an eye on him until we took our seats—backs to the wall so both of us could see anyone approaching.
The moment we slid into the seat, I leaned over and curled myself over Diadre. She clung to me, surprised by the sudden kiss, but once my lips were on her I found it hard to stop.
‘We’ll eat and drink. You watch. If we’re approached, let me handle it. But when I’m focused on any visitors, keep your eyes peeled. It’s unlikely I’ll be set upon here, but very likely I’ll be marked and followed. Use your wits. Tell me if your instincts prickle. About anyone. Even if you don’t know why.’
‘I will.’
I rumbled approval and grabbed her ass for a moment, pulling her against me on the bench.‘You don’t have to shrink from me here. But I do have to dominate. I’ll do my best not to hurt you. If I grab the back of your hair with a warning, you shake your head and jerk around—I’ll hold on and it will look as if I’m shaking you.’
I felt the revulsion in her, but she nodded and I kissed her again.
‘This is a pageant, Dee. Not my heart.
‘I know.’
Discreetly, on the side away from the room, I grasped her hand and placed it on my chest while devouring her throat, let her feel how my heart pounded and the bond throbbed.
Comfort washed through her.
‘I’m fine. We need to do this. We need to find Gall and Istral and… whatever else is happening here.’
‘Thank you. I… I’m grateful for you, Dee.’
She snorted into my mouth, but when I yanked away from her as if I’d taken what I wanted, the flush on her cheeks was gratifying.
Moments later one of the staff approached, a young man with jet-black hair and broad shoulders, the build of a soldier, but nervous eyes. He took my order—more food than even I could eat because we’dtake the rest with us—and assured me he’d have the Innkeeper speak with me as soon as he arrived.
We needed a place to be seen to stay. I’d speak with my contacts about a spot for actual rest.
“I need to get a message to a friend,” I said loud enough to be overheard after he’d asked if there was anything else he could do.
He nodded quickly. “We have runners, and—”
“Not that kind of message,” I said bluntly.
Diadre looked at me, a question easing in my mind, but I kept my eyes on the server.
His throat bobbed. “You’re looking for Ged?”
I nodded slowly.
“He usually arrives by lunch.”
“Please let him know I’m here.”
The server swallowed again. “And who should I tell him is asking?”
I met his eyes for a beat before smiling. “You make your best guess and pass that on. Let’s see if you get it right.”
The man paled, but nodded and darted away like I’d threatened his life. Which, I suppose, in some measure I had.
If the wrong message was passed to the wrong person in this town, the one who made the mistake wouldn’t likely live long past it. But I had been recognized already. And even to strangers, my reputation preceded me. If he didn’t already know, he’d soon find out who was asking for the Wolf.
And if the Wolf knew what was good for him, he’d stop playing games and come running.
