Chapter 29

Remy was subdued as we walked back to the safe house, and since I was preoccupied with the future the Eye had shown me, it was a very quiet trip through the streets. When we arrived, I sat in an armchair before the unlit hearth and watched Remy pace around the room. Even when agitated, he was mesmerizing—every movement fluid and graceful like a dancer.

I had my own troubles to ponder but was distracted by the way his trousers clung to his muscular thighs, the way the linen shirt hugged his strong shoulders, and the way his vest accentuated his toned torso and narrow hips. Giving myself a mental shake, I tried to focus on the dilemma at hand.

"Do you think the guild knows we have the Eye?" I asked.

"Absolutely. Halder figured it out, so they have to know too."

"Won't they be angry we didn't bring it to them right away?"

"Probably." He kept pacing.

"But you don't care?"

"Not really."

Easy for him to say.

"We took the key to this apartment, so they'll know we're here. Won't Lorget send someone to come get it?" I asked.

"They can come, but it's not here."

"Maybe it's better to avoid confrontation and go somewhere else."

"Does a night in the Veiled Vaults sound appealing?"

I grimaced. "No." I had hoped he'd offer up his house, but apparently not.

Remy finally stopped prowling and perched on the arm of my chair. With a featherlight touch, he traced one finger along my jaw before bending down to murmur in my ear. "Let's just stay here tonight and not think about any of it."

Chills ran up and down my spine as a dart of desire shot through me. I leaned into him, feeling his warmth envelop me. His cedar scent was intoxicating, and I couldn't resist the urge to bury my face in his neck and inhale deeply. He peeled off his vest and tossed it to the floor with a tiny clink from hidden blades.

Then his hand found its way to the back of my head, and he pulled the elastic from my ponytail, freeing my hair to spill over my shoulders. He ran his fingers through it and lifted a strand to his nose, taking in its fragrance before pressing a soft kiss to my nape. My body hummed with pleasure, and I turned to face him, my eyes locked on his.

I could feel my heart racing, my flesh yearning for him. All thoughts of the Eye, the guild, and the fae fled from my mind as I gave in to the pull of desire. When he tilted my head back and captured my lips with his, I melted into him. The kiss was electrifying, sending shockwaves through every nerve. His tongue explored my mouth with a sensual urgency that made my head spin.

Placing my hands on his chest, I traced the muscles beneath his shirt before sliding them up to tangle in his hair. It was soft and silky, and I couldn't get enough of it. We broke the kiss, gasping for air, and I saw the same burning desire I felt reflected in his eyes.

Without a word, Remy scooped me up in his arms and carried me to the bedroom, laying me down on the bed with a tenderness that took my breath away. He crawled onto the bed beside me, and I reached out to skim his stubbled jaw with my fingertips. He closed his eyes with a sigh, and I leaned in to place a soft kiss on his lips.

"Your touch is intoxicating," he whispered. "I'm becoming addicted."

My heart swelled, and I pressed closer to him, my body molding to his. He cupped my face with both his hands and kissed me hungrily, his tongue lashing against mine. The kiss consumed me. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think. I couldn't stop.

Fumbling with the buttons of his shirt, I finally undid them to reveal the smooth, chiseled perfection of his chest. I took a moment to admire his hard body and traced the contours of his abs, feeling each muscle twitch beneath my fingertips. His breath hitched, and he caught the hem of my tunic, pulling it swiftly over my head.

Remy leaned back and gazed at me, his burning eyes roaming over my exposed body. I felt a shiver of pleasure and arched my back, offering myself to him. I desperately needed the feel of his hands on my skin. He bent his head, and his lips found my nipple. I gasped as he sucked it into his mouth, flicking it with his tongue.

I moaned as he worked his magic on my breasts, kissing and licking every inch. My body was on fire, and I could hardly take it as he moved lower, tugging on my leggings impatiently. I shimmied out of them and reached up to unfasten his trousers. Remy shifted position to accommodate my clumsy fingers, and I slipped them into his pants to find him hard and eager for me.

I pulled him from his trousers, his erection straining against my hand. He sat back long enough to shuck off his boots and trousers, and then he was on top of me, his weight pressing me into the mattress. He kissed me again, fierce and possessive, as I slipped my hand between our bodies to gently squeeze him. With a groan, he captured both of my wrists in one hand and pinned them to the bed.

Without breaking our kiss, Remy ran his hand down my hip and across my thigh until he reached the tender flesh between my legs. I gasped when his long, clever fingers dipped into the wet folds and began to stroke me. He rubbed in tight circles, pushing me closer and closer to the edge. I was slick and so ready for him. I writhed beneath him, aching to be filled.

Remy released my wrists, and I immediately raked my fingers down his back, holding him close and breathing hard. I clung to him, my nails biting into his flesh as waves of pleasure surged through me. He rose above me, and I could feel the tip of his cock pushing at my entrance. I squirmed as he teased me, barely entering me just to pull out again. I moaned and bucked my hips desperately, but he held me still with an iron-hard grip.

A sudden pounding on the apartment door shocked me out of the spell he had cast over me.

Remy froze and tension quivered through him. "Go away," he snarled.

"Remy? Ziola? Are you in there? Open up!"

"Who is it?"

"Emil."

I wriggled out from beneath Remy and began digging through the sheets for my clothing.

"What are you doing?" Remy growled.

"I'm not talking to Emil like this." I gestured to my naked body.

Remy squeezed his eyes shut and said, "This had better be mighty fucking important." He stood and snatched his trousers from the floor before stalking to the door.

Emil rushed in, light brown hair sweaty on his brow, and said, "You have to get out of here. Now."

"What are you talking about?" Remy demanded.

I came in from the bedroom, pulling my hair up in a knot on top of my head. "What's going on, Emil?"

"You know the night you freed me from the Enforcers I got caught in a raid on one of our safe houses, right?"

"Yeah, I know," I said.

"They received a tip that someone here was involved in the theft at Scepter Seraphim."

Remy let loose a string of creative and quite vulgar curses. Then he said, "Someone in the guild is working with the Enforcers."

"Must be," Emil said. "I think they'll be here soon. You should split up." He nodded to both of us and took off down the hallway.

Remy dashed back into the bedroom, pulled on his shirt and boots, and retrieved his vest from the floor next to the armchair.

"Do you have everything?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Go home. Lie low. Meet me in the Vaults in two days."

I left Remy standing in the apartment doorway as I sprinted down the corridor and out the building's front door.

As I walked home, I mulled over where things stood with Remy. He'd made it crystal clear he was only interested in a fling, not a long-term relationship. I still didn't know how I felt about that, but one thing was certain, unless I ended it right now, I needed to take some precautions. At some point, we wouldn't be interrupted and would finally be together. At least I hoped so.

It wasn't late, so I decided to see if Ellia's apothecary was still open. Just as I approached the shop, Ellia flipped the sign to Closed. I was about to leave when she noticed me and opened the door.

"Ziola, is everything alright?"

"Yes, it's fine. I just wanted to ask about some herbs, but I can come back when you are open."

"You are welcome anytime. Come in."

I hesitated and bit my lower lip. "I don't want to impose."

"I'm about to see my after-hours clients. Come in and we can talk."

"Your after-hours clients?" I had no idea who they could possibly be. The customers I had seen were very upscale and didn't seem likely to come in the evening.

She smiled and led me to the back room where she had pulled the glass shards from Remy's side. "Once a week, I help needy women who have nowhere else to go. Unless you are in a hurry, sit down and meet some of them."

I sat quietly at Ellia's worktable while a progression of thin, ragged women and children came through the back door to speak with Ellia. They came with rashes, cuts, coughs, infections, and arthritic joints. A number sought herbs to prevent pregnancy and more than a few sported black eyes, split lips, and bruises. Ellia treated each patient with dignity and kindness, sending them home with small pots of ointment, bundles of herbs, and instructions on preventing disease.

When the last patient left, Ellia brought over two mugs of tea, placing one before me and then sitting across from me. I blew on the hot liquid and looked at her with admiration. I knew there were places the poor could get a hot meal, but I'd had no idea anyone provided health care.

"You are very generous," I said.

"I grew up in a brothel and am only too acquainted with the indignities men sometimes inflict upon helpless women. I can't do much, but I try to help."

Tipping my head to the side, I studied Ellia. She was elegant and obviously well educated. I couldn't imagine her being raised by ladies of the night. But her actions this evening struck a chord.

"Do they ever get rid of any of their children?" I asked.

"Oh, yes," Ellia said and cleared her throat. "It's heartbreaking for them, but easier than watching the children starve. At least they can pretend the child might find a better life."

I wondered if that was my parents' situation or if I was just too unlovable to keep. I supposed I'd never know.

"It looked like several of them had been battered."

Ellia sighed. "That's something I can't prevent, only treat. Sometimes their clients enjoy smacking a woman around. Sometimes their husbands get drunk and use their fists. Most have no hope of finding a better situation."

I ran my finger around the rim of my mug and studied its contents. It was a good lesson to remember when I felt sorry for myself: others had it worse. Looking up at Ellia, I said, "Would they like to learn how to defend themselves?"

Ellia's eyebrows shot up. "They can't carry weapons. Many have children and the rest are prostitutes."

I waved my hand in dismissal. "No weapons required, just their own bodies."

Ellia didn't look convinced.

"Is your husband home?" I asked.

"He's upstairs."

"Would he let me demonstrate on him?"

Ellia stood and climbed a delicate, winding staircase. At the top, she opened a door and asked Alix to come down.

I glanced around at the wooden plank floor and winced. "Do you have rugs or something? I don't want to hurt him."

Ellia let out a peal of laughter. "His ego is big enough to cushion any falls."

Alix came down and regarded both of us inquiringly. He was tall, muscular, and broad shouldered. Perfect for my purposes.

"I need you to attack me," I said.

His mouth dropped open. "What?"

"Attack me."

He shook his head. "Are you out of your mind?"

"I'm trying to prove a point," I answered.

"If I so much as break one of your fingernails, I'll have Remy coming in the night with his knives."

"You won't hurt me."

Alix just stood there and stared. I cocked my hip, curled up one side of my mouth, and wiggled my fingers in a ‘come here' gesture. He took a tentative step toward me and halted.

"By the gods, if you're so afraid, just try to grab me," I said in exasperation.

Alix rushed at me, transparently planning to catch me in a bear hug, but I was already in motion. As he lunged, I stepped into his path, redirecting his forward momentum with a fluid circular motion of my arm. Before he knew it, he was sailing past me, his large frame guided to the floor by little more than a flick of my wrist. I had moved to his side, as if we were dance partners who had practiced this maneuver for years.

As he hit the floorboards with a thud, I heard Ellia gasp. Alix lay on the floor, eyes wide, clearly processing what had just happened.

"See? You didn't hurt me," I said, offering a hand to help him up.

He took it, his grip cautious as if I were made of porcelain.

Ellia examined me with newfound respect. "You're athletic, with a body honed by years of training. You think those women could learn this?"

I nodded. "Sometimes the best defense is knowing how to use an attacker's force against him."

Alix shook his head and headed back up the steps. "I'll leave you two alone. You are terrifying."

Ellia sat back down, her lips slightly pursed. I picked up my mug of tea and took a sip, letting the warm liquid trickle down my throat before placing it back on the table.

"I think it's a wonderful idea, but many will be too timid to try. Let me ask a couple who are bolder. If they come, the others may follow."

I glanced around the shop's workroom at all the shelves of jars and vials. "Where can we go?"

Ellia followed my gaze around the room with a rueful smile. "Yes, I don't think this would work." She fidgeted with her teacup. "We'll use The Stony Mug."

"Ralph won't mind?"

"Not at all. There are rooms upstairs that he keeps open for women who need to escape abusive husbands or panders. As you might imagine, few of the men who come looking for them feel up to challenging Ralph."

I laughed. "No, I guess not."

Ellia put down her mug and stood. "I think I can guess which herbs you wanted to talk to me about." She walked over to one of the cabinets and extracted a small pouch.

I could feel my cheeks flaming. This was what I had come for, but I still found it difficult to discuss. But if Ellia's after-hours clients could seek help, surely, I had the courage to do so as well. Swallowing hard, I held out my hand.

She placed the pouch in my palm and instructed me on its use. I pulled out my coin purse and dumped my few remaining coppers on the table.

"I know this isn't enough, but can I pay you the rest later?"

"Put that away." She gave me a cheeky grin. "If I want money for it, I'll get Remy to pay. After all, he is fifty percent of the equation."