Dark Choices - I. T. Lucas Page 0,56

minds are always better than one.”

“What’s the alternative?”

Jacki looked away. “Annani has managed to create a good system. I know that what works for a small community of people cannot work on a global scale, but she could help you figure something out. She’s as old as human civilization itself, and she’s seen practically everything. Having her and Kian and Sari on your team would be a game-changer. You could form a coalition.”

Kalugal chuckled. “From what I’ve seen so far, my cousin is not doing a great job of listening to his own council’s advice. He’s making decisions without asking for anyone’s input. Do you think he would do a better job of running the world than me?”

“No way. But Kian is held accountable to the council and to his mother. If he messes up and goes too far out of line, someone can intervene and stop him. Your plan doesn’t include a built-in safety mechanism, and that’s why it’s dangerous. I think it was very wise of Annani to split the clan and have Sari and Kian run its two arms independently, or semi-independently. That way, neither of them holds too much power.”

Kalugal smoothed his hand over his short beard. “Frankly, I would have loved Annani’s advice, but I can’t tell her my plan because she’ll try to stop me.” He cast Jacki a stern look. “You promised to keep my secrets. I hope that promise is still good.”

“Of course.” She sounded offended. “I will never betray your trust. I’m doing precisely what you asked me to do. I’m your sounding board.”

“Forgive me.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “For a moment there, I wasn’t sure. You seem so convinced that I can’t do it, or that I shouldn’t.”

“I might be just a simple woman, but I know that you’re overestimating your abilities. I’m trying to get you to consider a different path. Your heart is in the right place, but as the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

38

Edna

“How about I make us lunch?” Rufsur offered.

Edna raised a brow. “You can cook?”

“Not well. Atzil cooks for everyone back home, so I don’t get many opportunities to develop my culinary skills. But I can grill, and I know how to put a frozen pizza in the oven.”

“Can you make a sandwich?”

He smiled. “I can do that as well. What’s your pleasure?”

Knowing Rufsur, he expected her to say that it was him. Regrettably, she was going to disappoint him. “I don’t have any steaks or hamburgers in the freezer, or frozen pizzas, so the options are limited.”

“Sandwiches it is.” Rufsur opened the fridge and started pulling things out. “You just take a seat at the counter, and I’ll do everything.”

This was unexpected and surprisingly pleasant. Outside of restaurants, Edna never had anyone prepare food for her. And when the cook was so yummy to look at, she really didn’t care if what he made was edible.

Unfortunately, her view of him was blocked by the open refrigerator door. Only part of his butt was sticking out, but it was still very nice to look at.

“I wish you had beer,” he muttered.

“I’ll make sure to stock up for your next visit.”

Pulling back, he closed the fridge door and glanced at her. “So I’m welcome back?”

“How can I resist a man who makes me lunch?”

“And I thought that my lovemaking prowess was my ticket back. If I had known, I would have made you sandwiches instead.”

Edna laughed. “Right. Because you are only interested in feeding me.”

“I also like talking to you.”

“So it’s my brain that you lust after?”

“I love your sharp mind. But I also love your ass, and don’t get me started on those long legs of yours, especially when they are wrapped around my thighs and spur me on. And let’s not forget your breasts.” He licked his lips. “Spectacular. You are a hellcat in bed, my delight. Bottom line. I love the whole package.”

“There must be something you don’t like.”

He shrugged. “I don’t like the sadness in your eyes. I want to make you happy.”

That was a nice thing to say, and the truth was that he did make her happy. But at the same time, he complicated her life, which made her anxious, so the net effect was neutral.

Well, that wasn’t true.

Edna couldn’t remember when she’d last felt so alive. Rufsur was like a breath of fresh air in her stale life. Or rather like a tornado, exhilarating and destructive at