Page 60 of Warrior's Reign
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Reign headedto the front of the line as instructed and gave her name. The bouncer’s ocular implant flashed, and he nodded her in.
With the unexpected twist in her personal life, it was surprisingly difficult to focus on work, but she couldn’t reschedule her meet with the new potential client. She’d forwarded the info to Vykhan and received a curt acknowledgment, wondering at what was bothering him now. But he hadn’t ordered her not to go, so she shrugged it off.
Stepping inside, she looked around. This club had a reputation for high quality drinks, its column of transparent dance floors that soared up—she craned her neck—at least eight stories, and the sex.
At least it was a discreet sex club. Privacy booths were on the first floor, and there were more exclusive suites for rent as well. What patrons chose to do with those rooms and booths was their business.
A tall, thickly curvaceous Yadeshi woman glided towards Reign. She wore black and gold, sleek pants and a high necked, sleeveless tunic. “Reign Obe’shan? Your party awaits you.”
She followed, scanning the crowd and bar habitually, as the hostess led her to a lift and up several floors. The doors opened onto a velvet covered hallway, the music on this level muted. The female stopped, and indicated a door which opened.
Reign stepped inside, glancing behind her when the entrance slid shut. A light flared, indicating the activation of a privacy lock.
“It will release at your command,” a smooth tenor voice said. “But I thought we might talk uninterrupted.”
Reign turned her attention to the room, and the male in it. He was. . .Reign stared. Yadeshi and not Yadeshi. The palest blue, nearly white skin, and green eyes, a rare shade on Yedahn. Long dark hair with a opalescent sheen she recognized from Icolo, though his were a pearl white. Slashing cheekbones and she’d bet her new dagger, slightly pointed ears under the hair. An Aeddannar-Yadeshi hybrid.
He rose and held out a hand. “I am Loka Vohn. I’m delighted you could join me.”
Reign didn’t move, though he indicated she should take a seat next to him. Her gaze traveled around the room. Three sleek walls, the forth a view screen to the circular floating dance floors. No ceiling. Mood lighting that didn’t quite conceal the presence of two guards in darkened corners. Her potential client had risen from a plush bench, a low table in front set with drinks and a tray of finger foods.
“Excuse the presence of my guards,” Loka said, following her gaze. “They won’t disturb us.”
Reign moved forward finally. “They’re fine.” She took the waiting hand, and tensed as a shiver went up her arm. “Reign Obe’shan. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He held her hand for a long moment, and Reign bared her teeth at him as he tried to read her. She didn’t tell him good luck with that, but her expression said enough. Icolo had taught her a while back how to deflect a basic Aeddannar mental scan. They couldn't read thoughts, but they could read emotions and often, intentions.
“You have my dossier,” she said, taking a seat once he released her hand, his brows rising slightly.
Loka winced and sat, sweeping his hair out from beneath him. He moved with the unconscious arrogance of a male who knew the exact worth of his sex appeal. Since he expected it, Reign settled back and indulged herself. She stared. Might as well enjoy the view.
“Please,” he said. “Drinks before business. I never waste the presence of a beautiful female.”
“I don’t drink while working.”
He chose a glass and sweetly smile, green eyes as innocent as spring grass. “Ah, but you aren’t working, my dear. This is a simple meeting to see if we are. . .should I say compatible?”
“It was my understanding you were looking to replace a member of your security team, with occasional recognizance required.”
He pursed his lips, his gaze traveling over her. “I’ve since come to the conclusion that that would be a waste of your particular skills and unique placement.”
Reign kept her expression neutral. “What do you want?”
Loka’s eyes glinted, a hint of emerald gems. “First, drink. I would not be a poor host.”
She studied him. “What is your House?”
“You have some knowledge of the Aeddannar?”
“I’ve had some dealings with your people, though I’d guess one of your parents is Yadeshi.”
He flicked his fingers. “There’s no fun in obvious facts.”
Reign didn’t ask again, accepting the subtle warning, instead lifting the glass next to her to sip—and paused for the implant under her tongue to scan for naughty substances.
“Do you think I would drug you?” Displeasure tightened his expression.
