Kyler's Justice (Assassins of Gravas Book 3) - N.J. Walters Page 0,39

In his defense, he’d never had a relationship of any kind before. All this was new to him. Leaving was what he’d always done.

Why did it seem like such a huge mistake now?

And not just because she’d been ordered to drug him. Although, that was a factor. If he’d stuck around after, he might have a better idea of what she might do. As it was, it could go either way.

When he was sure no one was watching, he poured out some of the ale. The glass was still half full when the waitress returned, a smirk on her face. “You’re not drinking much, are you? The tables are for paying customers, you know.”

He held up a twenty-dollar credit. “Bring me another. Keep the change.”

“Sure.” She left the glass on the table but went back to the bar. Once again, he activated his comm and listened in. “He wants another. Don’t know why since he’s still on the first one.” The waitress exchanged the money and went to grab the drink.

“I’ll take it.” Etta’s voice was cool and calm.

“Up to you, but I’m keeping my tip.”

His heart rate picked up as Etta scooted out from behind the bar and strolled toward him, hips swaying with each step. His mouth went dry. He’d reached for the glass before he stopped himself. Around her, his legendary control vanished.

“Wasn’t sure I’d see you again.” She set the glass down, the metal container hitting the table with more force than necessary.

“Why would you think that?” He leaned back in his chair, feigning indifference. As much as he wanted to take her in his arms and run, she might no longer welcome him. The stabbing pain his chest made his breath catch before it evened out once again.

Her feelings for him didn’t matter. Protecting her was all that was important.

“The message you sent was loud and clear.” Her fingers gripped the back of the chair in front of her.

He tilted his head toward it. “Join me.”

She nibbled on her bottom lip. He swallowed a groan, thankful the hood shielded his face or she’d see the lust stamped on it. He wanted to lick those lush lips, taste them. Taking a deep breath, he locked down his physical responses. If he didn’t stay alert and lost focus, she could die.

Like being tossed in the frigid ocean of Killaras, his passion cooled. Shoving all emotion aside, he became who he was, the king’s blade—the most feared assassin of Gravas.

Etta took a step back, as though sensing the change in him. She swallowed, her slender throat rippling. She started to look off to her right but caught herself and stopped. Interesting. He’d seen a Barskan sitting alone. The report on her brother said he’d employed at least two of them.

In a repeat of the first time they’d met, Kyler pushed the chair back with his foot. “Sit.”

Chapter Ten

Etta wanted to run, but that was impossible with the Barskan watching her every move. And she was suspicious of Loralie. She’d seen the waitress keeping tabs on Kyler for most of the night, while trying to pretend she wasn’t. Helldrick was probably paying her for information.

There was an itch between her shoulder blades as she sat. She rubbed her moist palms against her pant legs. “Well?” What could he possibly want?

Information. Of course, that was why he was here. It had nothing to do with her. She ignored the surge of disappointment. They’d had sex. Amazing sex, but that was a physical release, not an emotional connection.

Too bad she couldn’t make herself listen to reason. She devoured the sight of him, even though he was cloaked. She knew every line of his face beneath the hood, every ripple of his body intimately.

But they were on opposite sides.

The silence was drawn out. The sounds around her faded until all she could hear were the thudding of her heart and the harshness of her breath.

She put her hands on the table. “I don’t have time for this.”

“Has Balthazar made contact?”

Etta closed her eyes against the sudden pain of having her assumption proved correct. He hadn’t come here for her. “Yes.”

“And?” The lower timber of his voice skated over her skin and settled in her bones.

“And what? Why should I tell you anything?” She crossed her arms over her chest and glared. “Opposite sides, remember?”

He huffed out a breath and leaned forward, angling his head so she could see his face. “We’re not on opposite sides.” He looked tired. The lines around his