you. It’s been so long. We thought something happened to you.” A stunning dark-haired woman blew him a kiss. “Madam is going to be so happy to see you.” Her voice was like velvet, a song in the air. Alluring. An inkling, a tiny voice, told me to follow her, to be near her, a hook drawing me in.
“Hey, Nerissa. You know I’m not that easy to get rid of.” He winked up at her, his eyes glinting, only making her lids lower with desire. Suddenly the voice inside my head flipped. I wanted to punch her in the face. “Been held up elsewhere for a bit.”
“Well, we’ve missed you. Me most of all.” She curled her finger at him. “Come upstairs and let me show you…like old times.”
I didn’t even know I moved until I felt Warwick’s arm wrap around my torso, tugging me back, a snarl curling my lip.
Where the fuck did that come from?
“Whoa there.” His deep voice vibrated against my neck, my attention still on her.
Nerissa’s smile parted, an enchanting laugh falling over my skin, but I could easily brush it off. “You can certainly join us, human.” She stared at me, curling her finger. “Come, pretty one.”
“Nerissa…” Warwick warned.
“I think I’d rather be whipped and locked up in the hole,” I snapped at her.
Her head jerked back, puzzlement creasing her forehead.
Before she could say any more, Warwick picked me up, taking me up the stairs and through the door. He placed me back on my feet the moment we crossed the threshold, staring at me.
“What?” I sighed. My adrenaline was leaking from me; the blood loss and pain from my calf was catching up. I suddenly felt the exhaustion of the entire day weighing down my bones.
“She’s a siren.” His eyes rolled over me like he was trying to figure out something.
Siren. I had heard about them but never encountered one. They were supposed to have the magic to lure any man or woman to their death with a song.
“So?” I shrugged. “We’re not in water.”
“Doesn’t matter,” he snorted. “Sirens are deadly in water but are almost as alluring on earth, especially to humans. No human can turn them down as they tap into human and fae sexual desires. They are extremely powerful.” He lowered his lids, standing fully. “She focused her charms on you. You should not have been able to ignore her call.”
“Warwick.” Low and precise, his name had us both turning to the figure gliding toward us. The woman was tall with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Somewhat masculine, but still delicate in the way she held herself. Her skin was a rich chocolate, and her curly hair was left wild around her face, setting off her hazel eyes. Her tall heels made my feet ache just to look at them, but they made her even more formidable, her black dress tightly fitting her slim frame. She was beautiful, striking, but something felt off. “It’s been far too long.” She outstretched her hand, her voice deeply baritone, though she tried to soften it.
“Kitty.” Warwick took it, brushing his mouth over her knuckles. The madam herself watched him with a mix of adoration and weariness. After being around him, I completely understood. She pulled back when she spotted me, her nose wrinkling at my half-naked, cut, bruised, bloody form. “I see you brought a friend this time. That’s a first. Bringing your own meal into a restaurant?” She arched a plucked eyebrow.
“I’m sorry to intrude on you like this. I was hoping—”
Madam Kitty held her palm up, stopping his words.
“Warwick, darling.” She sighed, her head shaking subtly. “I don’t recall a time you haven’t come here shot, stabbed, and covered in blood, needing my assistance. I have never turned you away. You know you are always welcome here.” Her painted lips pursed. “I swear, violence and danger follow you like a shadow, my love.”
Her sentiment caught my attention. Lynx had said the same thing to me. Odd.
“Follow me.” She swung around and sauntered for the stairs. Every swing of her hips was controlled with sensual movement and purpose. With the grace of a drunk cow, I cursed and hissed at every step, trying to follow. With Warwick’s help, I made it up the four flights of stairs and down a corridor, trying not to puke or pass out.
Women and men lingered in the hallways and in doorways of bedrooms, all dressed in very little: bodices, silk robes, and sexy underwear. They greeted