Page 34 of The Satyr's Guilt
Denim slammed a hand into Ram’s chest whileshe started with the finger jab. “What the hell do you think you’redoing?”
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Nothing was more annoying than a femaledoing the digit dance on your chest. “Going to the last portal.” Hegrabbed hold of the offending finger, knocking it away.
“That’s not what I mean. Don’t shuck me off.I was the better choice to go into the alley. I was in the army, asharp-shooter and boots on the ground. I was a cop before I joinedthe Alliance, where I’m a top-notch agent. Stuff your protectiveurges. I’m as able as you are.” She clenched her fists at hersides.
Ram shifted his translucent stare towardher. “The fuck you are.” His angry gaze traveled from the toes ofher shitkickers to the top of her head. Despite the tight athleticbody she obviously took good care of, he let her know he wasn’timpressed. “You may be a hotshot human female, doll, but I’ve gotover one hundred pounds on you, many years of experience, and avariety of satyr powers. You want to arm wrestle me to settle thequestion?”
What he didn’t say was that he would neverknowingly put this female in harm’s way. He bristled at the thoughtshe was in such a dangerous job at all.
Hell. Didn’t the Alliance have anynon-lethal jobs? Paper pushers? Desk jockeys?
“You arrogant ass.”
“That’s Mission Leader Ass to you.” Ramgrinned.
“Let me be clear. If you ever use an arm tobump me behind you again, I’ll break it off.”
“I will not let you risk your life.Discussionfini.”
Her brows arched as she stared in disbelief.“Is this how you treat female Firebrands? They must love you.”
“Of course not. They’re warriors. They’restronger than you. Better trained.”Shit.The statementsjust slipped out before his brain engaged.
“Better trained?”
He shrugged.
“Really? It’s because I’m an Earther andfemale? Obviously, a bad combo. You don’t think humans, especiallywomen, have any business in the field. Boy, are you behind thetimes. Father doesn’t know best, and Fonzi’s grown up. The fiftiesare over.”
“I lived in the fifties, you know. It wasn’tsuch a bad time.”
Denim stomped off, heading for the busystreet and a passing parade.
****
Ram shifted from foot to footwhile Denim broke it down for Kole in his office. She listed allthe whys and wherefores as to how the satyr Firebrand was a crappypartner.
Shaking his head as she stuttered, Ramstepped in to shoot himself in his own foot. “She might beright.”
Denim wrinkled a puzzled forehead while shenodded hesitantly. “He makes crude comments.”
“True. My mouth sometimes runs faster thanmy brain.” When Denim raised her brows, he added, “Justsaying.”
Funny, he noted, she didn’t mention thekiss.
Denim waved her hand dismissively throughthe air, talking without taking a breath. “I can deal with all thesexual innuendo and the hits. He’d likely rabbit if I took him upon his offers.”
Before Ram could speak, she mimicked zippingher lips. “I’ve been working with good ol’ boys my entire life. Ican hold my own and return zingers. But you took me out of theaction. I understand chain of command. I know you’re in charge ofthis mission, but your calls need to be the right ones. I’m anAlliance agent. I won’t be treated as an inferior. I worked hard toget where I am. I deserve respect. I served my time in the army. Doyou know what it takes to qualify for such duty?”
She paused for a breath, shooting adisgusted look at him but giving him no time to reply. “A lot. AndI was a damn good cop until I joined the Alliance. I’m used tocalling the shots, taking charge, not being shoved behind somemuscled male body to be protected.”
Ram wondered if being in charge and callingthe shots meant she wanted to be on top. That was fine by him.“Just to be clear. You don’t want me to save your ass if it’s indanger?”
“Sometimes I might need a save. Sometimesyou might. That’s not what this is about. You made a bad decisionbecause you thought you needed to protect me. You should have sentme into the alley to do recon, to ask questions. I was the best forthe job.”
They were getting nowhere. Ram sighed,deciding to go for the big plunge. “Give me another chance. I canbe a great partner. Next time, I won’t interfere until you call myname when someone has his paws around your neck, choking you whileyou gasp for oxygen.”
