Page 44 of Outlaw Witch

“What do you mean by someone not having a surname? I mean, I saw in your file you didn’t have one, but figured our guys had messed up and couldn’t find it or something.”

As soon as the words come out, she frowns and I realize I’ve fucked up. Z was right and my blabbermouth is going to get us all in trouble unless I watch it.

“You have a file on me.” Her mouth thins and I know I need to scrabble this back.

“Uh, well, we were trying to find someone to help Fabian for a long time. Zoto suggested you and... well, our guys couldn’t find much on you.” I know I should shut up, but I’m massively curious. Seriously, it’s been bugging me fordays.

The look she shoots me is one I can’t read. I don’t think she’s mad at me, but she doesn’t look happy.

“How someone wound up with their family disowning them and stripping them of their surname isn’t really something we discuss.” She gives me a tight smile and I feel a stab of something in my gut.

Not entirely surewhatit is. Discomfort maybe? Whatever it is, I brush it off.

“Shit. I’m even more intrigued now. You’re a mysterious little package, aren’t you, sweetheart?” I grin, shooting for levity since I’m pretty sure anything else would freak her out.

There’s that blush again. Shit, it feels like I’m a little drunk, even though all I’ve had is coffee and cake. Maybe I’m off my tits on a sugar-rush or something.

Or perhaps it’s this little witch. She’s put a spell on me and I’m losing my mind.

Once she’s finished her coffee, I cram the remaining cakes into a bag to take home and then ram them into my pocket. Z’s not fussy and won’t be bothered if they’re a bit squished. Probably won’t appreciate the proximity to my balls, but he can get over it.

It’s grown dark outside by the time we leave and I find myself tucking Silver into my side as we head back to The Spire. I pull her away from some guys already brawling in the street without even thinking about what I’m doing.

“Might want to avoid Tuesdays and Fridays around here if you’re coming out alone,” I tell her. “Those are fight nights and it gets kinda rowdy.”

Cue another snort and a pat to my bicep. “Thanks.”

“Shit. I didn’t mean it like you can’t look after yourself. I mean, you’ve clearly done a good job by yourself for years,” I babble. “That sounds condescending as fuck, but I don’t intend it to be. I’d say that I don’t usually spout shit, but the guys are always saying my tongue will get me into trouble. I always hoped it would be in a more fun way though.” I wink and enjoy watching her cheeks flush again.

ThisI can do.

Flirting. Bullshit.

It’s when I try anything else, my brain and my mouth get into arguments like a couple of bickering parents at a kid’s baseball game.

Luckily it doesn’t screw up my game too bad usually. Then again, whispering, ‘Bathroom. Now," in a willing woman’s ear is usually enough.

Not that I’m trying to have game with Silver. Z’s already given me the whole lecture about not trying to get into her pants.

Too bad my brain can’t seem to get with the program. We’re not actually trying to woo her, or date her.

I know the brief here. I’m supposed to be wooing her, keeping her sweet, so she helps Fabian. I need to remember that.

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