Page 1031 of One More Kiss

“I’ve got a business proposal. It’s mutually beneficial and there’s potentially a lot of money in it.” Clara’s voice was strong but I could see her hands twisted tightly together under the table.

“Doesn’t explain why you think you need protection.” Jett’s jaw clenched. “I give everyone a fair go. Even witches.”

I nudged Clara with my knee, telling her ‘I told you so’ without saying ‘I told you so’. To Jett, I said, “I’m mainly here for moral support. But don’t go thinking you can steal her product idea. I’ll hunt you down if I have to.” I was aiming for humor but it fell flat.

He turned his full attention to me and I struggled not to wilt under his gaze. “I’m not the thief at this table, Liandra.”

I tossed my hand in the air, a flicking away motion, still trying to keep things light. “By-gones. You keep your hands to yourself and I’ll do the same.”

His eyes narrowed, then travelled slowly down my body. They paused on the hilt of my sword, that I’d thought was hidden under my hair from anybody who could see through my shadow magic. Which should have been nobody, but Jett seemed to be the exception. His perusal moved to my belt and the shadow hidden sheath hanging there, and onwards, all the way down my leg, calf and boot. He could only see the leg that was closest to him, and from the way his mouth quirked to one side I knew he’d seen my boot knife. Blast.

“And your knives? Will you keep them to yourself as well?” He drawled the words, slow and sensual.

“I will if you will.” Humor was my only way to disarm him, and I’d go down fighting.

He almost cracked a smile.

I’d count it as a win.

The waitress arrived with our coffees and Jett’s food. My mouth salivated at the delicious smells. If only I could have ordered some for myself. But that would have been unprofessional.

Jett unwrapped his cutlery and began cutting his food into bite sized pieces. I was mesmerized. I should have been paying attention to our surroundings, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of Jett’s plate.

The waitress walked past and he snagged her attention, asking her something. Moments later she reappeared with a second set of cutlery.

“Tell me about your proposal.” Jett’s demeanour had softened and he appeared to be willing to listen.

I savored the smell of my coffee, holding the cup close to my nose, as Clara began to explain about her vials and the market for them.

“You don’t need me for that,” Jett said. He speared a piece of bacon with his fork and handed it to me. I took it without thinking as he continued talking to Clara. “Just set up a vendor account and you’re right to go.”

I looked from the fork, to Jett. He glanced at me and winked, before focusing back on Clara.

“I need a middleman.” Clara didn’t appear to notice the interaction. “I have my reasons, and I don’t want to go into them. But I’m willing to split the profits with you, on top of your usual fees.”

I ate the bacon. No point in letting it get cold.

Jett nudged his plate slightly in my direction and I took that as permission to snag a piece of sausage. As I popped it into my mouth I saw him watching, amused. Eek. I was so busted.

“It’s not our usual way of doing things.” Jett unwrapped the second set of cutlery and speared himself some sausage, bringing it to his lips.

I realized I was the one staring now. I gave myself a mental shake and focussed back on the conversation. It was time for me to have some input. Maybe I could swing things Clara’s way.

“Clara needs your help. And it’s a solid business opportunity.” I shrugged. “If you want my advice, I think you should do it.”

I stabbed a piece of hash brown and brought it to my mouth. This food was delicious. I speared another piece of bacon.

“I’ll agree on one condition,” Jett said. “Liandra needs to be the person who delivers the product to our warehouse. I don’t give away the location lightly, and I trust her to keep it secret.”

What was it with people trusting me? I’d tried to steal from the guy for goodness sake.

“And from what you’re saying, you want your location kept secret too. It’s a win-win.”

Clara nodded. “I agree.”

“Whoah, wait a minute.” I put down my fork, regretfully eyeing the remains of Jett’s food. I’d put quite a dent in it, but the time for eating was over. “I didn’t agree to this. Besides. I’m a bodyguard, not a delivery girl. This is outside my skill set.”

“I disagree.” Jett set down his fork, mirroring my action. “You’ve got the perfect skill set. You’re stealthy and discrete. If you don’t want to be seen, you won’t be.”

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