Page 46 of The Firebrand
The man sighed, happy his caller could not see his frown. Enough with the questions! “When the time’s right, I have plenty of help to set the trap, Silas. I hear ya. No payment if she’s dead. I’ll make sure she isn’t hurt. I’ve not let you down before. No reason to start now.”
The hired killer kicked the tree a few times. “I’ll take care of it. I always do. So, you know, I wouldn’t mind buying the bitch when you’re through with her. I’ve got money to bid. Just tell me when the market opens. She wasn’t so hot yesterday, but today she’s quite different. I suspect Rein has made her more pliable.”
He listened, brows locked down tight. “What if I have to kill the Firebrand to get her? No problem for me, but the extra aggravation will cost more.”
He popped the cell away from his ear. His upper lip curling into a snarl, he said, “The male doesn’t look so tough to me. Besides, I’m well trained. I have able guys with me. If I must, I’ll take Rein out. I’ve a right to be cocky.”
ChapterTen
Nobra.A fucking short skirt. A bare ass.
Rein’s arm sizzled where it touched Braelyn’s naked flesh. Jetting through a portal with her wrapped around him was torture. At this rate, he’d be meditating daily, likely twice—once in the morning, once at night. He might also jerk off a couple times a day. One thing was certain, he had to ditch the female.
He reminded himself that his dick did not hold his leash.
Chay waited for them on the side of the road, pacing beside a black SUV. The nymphs had insisted they meet up here, not wanting any unnecessary hoopla in the neighborhood where the crime had occurred. Scanning Braelyn from her auburn hair to her stiletto boots, the ylve Firebrand let loose with an annoying wolf-whistle.
With a sheepish smile, she tugged at her skirt.
With frown lines creasing Rein’s forehead, he guided her with a possessive hand on her lower back. “In the backseat.” Rein motioned Chay to the driver’s side while he blocked Braelyn from view, grasping her waist, lifting her with ease into the vehicle.
She grinned over her shoulder. “Thanks.”
“Yeah.”
Rein slid into the front passenger seat. “Go.” He rolled down the window, sticking his elbow out, savoring the fresh air.
Chay pulled to the curb near the correct address in the Oread community. Rein jumped out first, swinging Braelyn to the ground before his partner made it to their side. Damned if the ylve was going to peek at some short skirt action.
Though a canopy of trees shaded the road, the sunlight broke through in jagged streaks where the leaves were scarce. An earthy odor with a hint of jasmine floated in from a community park where tropical plants with thick fronds grew beside an orchard ripe with fruit. The music of waterfalls and rippling brooks mixed with the songs of birds. For Rein, a lifelong city boy, all the serenity was downright disturbing.
Braelyn touched his shoulder. “This is beautiful. Where did you say we are?”
“The Sanctuary of Maidens on the Elysian Isle. The Oread nymphs draw power from the earth, hence the Mother-Nature-gone-wild scenery and the tomb-like houses scattered through the hills.” He shrugged off Braelyn’s fingers, realizing she was no longer pissed at him.
They walked single file on a stone path toward a home with an exposed front that was top-to-bottom windows. The other sides were buried in mounds of grass-covered dirt.
Three nymphs gathered in the yard, watching them meander along the walkway. Rein nodded from a distance but sent Chay to interview them.
Squaring his shoulders, puffing out his chest, the ylve took long-legged, swaggering strides toward the females.
Chay returned, a smile curling his lips. “Love talking to the nymphs no matter what the occasion. Philia and the others sawnada, heardnada. They arrived after ourfrerons, who, by the by, are expecting us inside. Philia said no lookie-loo neighbors reported any strange doings last night, but the Oread-in-question was hostess to unsavory types.”
Chay turned to Braelyn, “Philia is the reigning high priestess of her breed.”
“Let’s get going.” Rein motioned his partner toward steps leading into Melia’s house.
The Firebrand ylve gave Braelyn another once-over. “What do you think of our girl, Rein?” When he got no response, he took Braelyn’s arm in his, heading for the entrance. “Well, for what it’s worth, I think you’re hot.”
“Thanks, Chay.” Braelyn tugged on her skirt again. When she did, it dropped farther down her hips, revealing more bare skin.
“Stop fidgeting,” growled Rein.
“Somebody got up on the wrong side of the crypt.” Chay chuckled, winking at a pink-cheeked Braelyn.
After climbing a series of steps, they crossed a paved courtyard before walking through an open door. Inside was a living room with a glass-domed ceiling. Marble pillars jutted up from the tile floor. Roof support. Between the columns, billowy white curtains fluttered in a soft breeze from outside. Everything was peaceful, undisturbed by a gruesome crime.
Except for the blood.
