Ivar's Escape (Assassins of Gravas #2) - N.J. Walters Page 0,8

to be seen, where business was done.

In truth, he had his fingers in every enterprise. A tax, he called it. It was bribery, plain and simple. You wanted to run a business here, you paid. Or you got a beating. Refuse a second time? You were permanently retired.

The establishment was like a thousand others spread across the known galaxies. There was a long bar on one end, manned by two huge bartenders, who doubled as bouncers when necessary. They were identical in height and build, the reddish tinge to their skin, black hair, and their sheer size identifying them as originally from Barska. The planet grew them big and mean and loyal. No one crossed them or they found themselves facing a mountain of merciless muscle.

Her first night here, she’d sat in the corner and watched to get a sense of how things worked. The dimly lit room was large and filled with tables. Waitresses tirelessly worked the floor. For a price, one of them might go upstairs with you for an hour. Paradise—as it was sarcastically called by the locals—was a full-service establishment. You could get food, drink, and a fuck—as long as you had the money.

The place closed just before dawn and opened midday. That allowed it to be cleaned and restocked while the staff slept. The place was already half full, everyone there straining to hear the conversation.

The air was thick and stale. Later, there might be a light breeze through the windows when the sun sank. But for now, it was as hot as hell.

“I’m shocked you want to leave our fair planet so soon. You just got here about a week ago, didn’t you, Phi?”

She hated using even a portion of her real name, but this kind of subterfuge was new to her. Sliding in and out without being seen was more her style. There was no way of knowing if she’d answer to another.

“I’m surprised you know my name. You have so many … friends.” But she wasn’t, not really, as he kept tabs on everyone and everything.

He threw back his head and laughed. The man was huge—about six and a half feet of pure muscle. His hair was flaming red and his beard matched. His age could be anywhere between thirty and fifty. It was difficult to say. The ladies found him handsome. He currently had one seated on either side of him, smiling adoringly while displaying their attributes to their best advantage.

She barely kept from rolling her eyes.

“None quite like you, Phi.” His gaze hardened, the humor disappearing between one breath and the next. “I’m insulted you want to leave so soon.” He ran his eyes over her slender form. “I haven’t had a chance to get to know you better.”

And it was going to stay that way, but she knew how to play the game. Her curly hair was loose around her shoulders, the sleeveless vest leaving her arms bare. Her leather pants clung to her form. Her knives were on full display. She looked nothing like the lush, scantily clad women beside him. And that made her different. A man like him would find that interesting.

“I’m not leaving. I just want to get some things from my ship. I had no idea I’d need permission to do that.” She waved her hands at herself. “I didn’t bring many clothes. And the prices here are steep.” The prices here were ridiculous. Everyone wanted more than what was fair, especially since they had to pay Balthazar his share.

He stroked his beard and nodded. “Sure you don’t want to try the local clothing?” He turned to the blonde on his left and tugged down the front of her top until her impressive breasts popped free. Instead of being embarrassed or angry, the woman practically purred as he pawed her.

“I’ll pass.”

Her dry comment seemed to startle him, but he flashed a quick grin. “It will cost you.”

“Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me. How much?” She hoped she had enough credits, otherwise, things were going to get even more difficult. As it was, she couldn’t stop thinking about Ivar sitting in the dark prison.

The extra time she’d spent waiting around to meet with Balthazar had been endless, but they hadn’t been totally in vain. She’d skulked around the settlement and helped herself to some supplies, which she’d added to her stash. Not being able to bring things off her ship had slowed her timeline.

And it had taken her all this time to find Ivar.

Balthazar sat forward,