Page 41 of The Assassin's Dancer
“That’s it, Ruby.” I can only just hear his whispers over my ragged breaths. “You took your punishment so well. Now take your reward.” He presses a kiss to my ear. His touch is so soft, and yet still, it’s enough to make me shatter.
Gasping, my walls clench around him. His other arm holds me tightly against his chest, smothering every sound with his warm body.
“Such a good girl,” he breathes against my hair. “Now rest, my darling. I’ll wake you when this is all over.”
My heart pounds against my ribs. How can I possibly sleep after that? But then, as the throbbing between my legs slows, a strange heaviness falls over my limbs, and I find his lap more comfortable than ever.
“Sleep, my darling,” he murmurs, before my breathing slows, and finally my heavy eyelids give way to the darkness.
16
KASIMIR
Ishould not have done that. It’s only been fifteen minutes since she fell to pieces in my arms, but already I’m resisting the urge to wake her up and do it again.
All those little noises she made, and the way that she begged…
Fuck.
It took everything within me not to kill all of Bailey’s men and carry her away somewhere more private. Somewhere dark and secluded, ideally with a bed so we could finish what she started so eagerly on my lap.
Shit, I’m in too deep. This needs to stop.
With a bitter sigh, I stare down at the sleeping woman in my arms.
Really, I know what I have to do. We stick to the plan, collect what we came here for, and then I see to it that Ruby gets home safely. By morning, she’ll be back home in her palace, and in a year or so she’ll be married off to some rich prince – someone who’ll deserve her, someone absolutely nothing like me.
“What are your thoughts on this, Kasimir?”
At the sound of my name, I lift my chin to find everyone watching me expectantly.
Ruby has no idea, but these guys are some of the most dangerous gang leaders in all of the realm. There’s no risk to her or me. Being the only assassin here, I could take any of these idiots down in a heartbeat. But still, I probably should’ve been paying more attention. We’ve been tailing this group for a year, and Meera would kill me if she found out I’d been… distracted.
“It sounds like a great plan,” I agree, clearing my throat.
Mr Bailey chuckles. “I knew we’d see eye to eye on this. Starting this guild will open so many doors for our industry. With all of us joining forces like this, the whorehouses won’t know what hit ‘em. Soon we’ll be running this place!” he cheers.
The other men match his enthusiasm, nodding eagerly and raising their glasses. I raise mine too, hoping my grin hides the disgust behind my eyes.
It won’t be long now. In fact, after stealing a glance at Bailey’s tall grandfather clock, I might need to speed this along.
“I must say though, gentlemen.” I clear my throat, being careful not to wake Ruby. “While the prospect of our joined forces excites me, I am a little concerned about our lack of numbers.”
“Lack of numbers?” Mr Bailey laughs. “Take a look around you, my friend. Are nine willing sponsors not enough?”
“We too poor for you or somethin’, rich boy?” another man pipes up – Rossi Darkwell probably, judging by his thick accent.
I roll my eyes. “Money has nothing to do with it.”
“Easy for you to say,” Rossi snaps back. “Your guildhouse is practically a castle. You don’t need the money like some of us do?—”
“Quieten down now, gentlemen,” Mr Bailey cuts in, sliding Rossi a sharp look. “Kasimir has made our new guild a very generous offer. It’s not everyday that you meet someone who is able to provide funds like this, and we’d be wise to listen to what he has to say.”
“Thank you, Mr Bailey.” I grin smugly. “I’m glad some people here still have respect despite the nature of our businesses.” I cast a glance at Rossi, unable to help myself. His trafficking guild is responsible for some of the biggest atrocities in Night Alley. That all ends tonight.
Running my fingers down Ruby’s back, I carry on, “My only concern was about the lack of members attending this meeting. I’m sure you are all aware by now of the true nature of my profession, and how my job leaves me with a lot of enemies.” My eyes land on Rossi. “Can you provide me with a list of everyone involved in this endeavour? I’d like to make sure that the funding I provide to the guild doesn’t end up reaching anyone who would use those funds against me.”
A few hushed murmurs flit around the table, but they’re quickly silenced by Mr Bailey.
