Page 61 of Warrior's Reign
Reign shrugged one shoulder, recrossing her legs. His lashes lowered as he eyed her. “No, but I’d be a shit security guard if I didn’t scan.”
“Of course.” He chuckled. “Forgive me. I’m having a difficult time reconciling the beautiful female in front of me as one of my hired hands.”
Did he mean her to believe that lie? Reign took another sip then set the drink down. She’d dressed for a dual purpose. Which meant poured on black, corset viciously nipped in at the waist to emphasize her generous hips and bust. Every inch of skin covered except for her hands and face, with heeled boots that snaked up her calves. Her curls bounced to mid back, their texture only lightly tamed, and she’d done her face in neutral cosmetics—except for the glossy red lip.
She looked like death and sex, pick one or both.
“Tell me about yourself,AdejahnaObe’shan,” he said, resettling on his couch. Lights pulsed outside, a trail of colors flowing up and down the floating dance floors. They threw his face into stark relief, blue and pink and yellow prisms reflecting off the three walled room.
Reign launched into a monologue cataloging her training, skills, and experience. He held up a hand after two minutes.
“That’s not what I meant.” His lips curved. “Tell me aboutyou.What is it you want.”
“How is that relevant to the job?”
He laughed. “So young. But then Ibukay is a bit of a non-conformist, isn’t she? Though Vykhan more than makes up for her eccentricities. Ofcourseyour ambition is relevant.”
Reign stilled. The way Loka said Vykhan’s name. . . “You know theAdekhan?”
An enigmatic smile played on his lips. “We’ve had some. . .contact. Tell me what you think of him.”
She considered the subtext in his words—clearly she was missing some pertinent backstory. “Maybe we aren’t talking about the same Vykhan.”
“But we are.” His expression darkened, though the smile lingered. “I find itfascinatinghow—well, never mind. Those secrets aren’t mine to tell, and I would rather not have him vexed with me quite yet, especially since he’s bound to be lurking.”
“You believe Vykhan is currently on the premises?” She wouldn't put it past him—she just wondered which Vykhan was lurking. Her First or her courtmate. If it was her courtmate, they’d be having words. “I would know if you were under any surveillance. As far as my team can tell, your business dealings are completely legitimate.”
“And so they are.” Eyes, wide and guileless, stared at her. “Oh, it’s not me he’s here for.”
That was the crux. The First was withholding vital information—or her courtmate was being overprotective and uncommunicative. Either posed issues, which was why she hadn’t wanted to get in a relationship at this stage of her palace career. Reign’s jaw tensed. Somehow that rat bastard had maneuvered her into one.
But then, it was more and more likely he’d had an unfair advantage, wasn’t it? Especially since she wasn’t exactly protesting. He’d known she wouldn’t. . .not if what she suspected was true.
“Did I say something upsetting?” Loka murmured.
Reign attempted to corral her energy. Vykhan greenlit this meeting so he must have wanted her to court this asset.
But these males were playing a game, she just didn't know if she was a feint, or a pawn.
So who was this male, why did he want an inroad to the palace, and why had he targeted her? If this male was a local businessman, she’d eat that upgrade. Oh, Loka Vohn existed. But Loka Vohn was one of his many identities.
It wasn’t just because she was the newest recruit on the block and human—he didn’t hold her humanity against her. The subtle prejudice she often encountered was absent in his demeanor. But then, a hybrid would be more tolerant of other’s genetics.
No, she was here because of Vykhan.
Loka couldn’t know about the personal relationship between her and Vykhan—the Aeddannar would have already used it against her in the conversation.
Reign picked up her drink. “I’m new to the team, so of course I’m not apprised of all operational details. If Vykhan wants this connection, he must consider you significant.”
“Do you think so?” He caressed the stem of his glass idly, long fingers tipped in a black polish.
She studied him, then rose. “I don’t know what his end game is. I can’t in good conscience work for a client where my presence could be detrimental to their interests. Thank you for your time.”
His eyes sharpened. “An admirable but unnecessary sentiment. Sit down,Adejahna.”
Reign took her seat with a show of reluctance. “I’m new, too—I have to balance palace duties and outside work carefully.” She gave him a somber, wide-eyed look. “Everyone on the team is so much older than me. You asked me what I want. I just want to succeed.”
Earnest ingénue wasn’t her best face, but flirting could backfire. Because he stopped her from walking away, he had an end game too—that had nothing to do with needing a simple guard who could pose as arm candy.
