FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins

“Bastard!” Danbury shrieked from inside the carriage.

Amongst other things, yes. Savage rotated on his heel and strode down the dirt road inspecting his nails and whistling cheerfully as his men vanished into the trees with all the Nightway goods and a portion of Danbury’s personal property.

Savage kicked open the door to Winter Haven. Intent on finding Dimurah. And determining if she’s still furious with me.

He past Joe near the door, who lowered his head in deference. Eyes flicking up in a thankful glance.

Savage gave him a long stare but said nothing. His attention averting to the counter.

“Murah!” He shouted. Making the men separating him from the counter break him a path.

Winter Haven quieted as everyone looked to him.

She’s a lovely sight tonight. Even in my old cloak.

“Go rot in Hell!” She shouted from where she was ducked behind the bar searching for more tankards.

Charming as usual. Savage tipped his head back in laughter.

Easing those who watched him like a simmering powder keg. Resuming conversation and drinking again.

Now I can give her my attention. His head dropped forward, and blue eyes zeroed in on her straightening behind the bar.

Adrea intercepted him. “Don’t you think you’ve done enough?”

“Shoo fly.” He waved her away. Looking at her darkly.

After a moment she eased from his path, gaze flicking to the floor as she sensed the danger, she’d put herself in.

A momentary blunder. He dismissed.

He’d missed Murah. And I’m done with her being irritated at me.

He reached the counter. Leaning a hip and elbow against it as she worked to evade his gaze. “Come for a walk with me.”

“You know very well I won’t.” Her gaze flitted over the crowded alehouse.

Still looking everywhere but at me.

“Not one of them will say shit.”

As you know very well.

“No, they likely won’t. But they’ll think it. And then they’ll all think I’m open for business.”

“No, they won’t.”

They know better.

Her head whipped to him. “How can you say that? You know how they act around here when a new whore is ripe for the taking!”

Yes.

“You’re no whore. They’re all very aware that you aren’t for them.”

“But I am for you, I presume?” Her voice turned acid. A tone he recognized.

You could be.

“Murah.” He sighed. Somewhat resigned. “Are you going to be like this all eve?”

“What will you do?” She arched a pretty red brow. “Cut off my hand?”

And it begins…

“Still stuck on that, are we?” He lifted a condescending brow.

“Apparently someone should be since it’s no longer stuck on anything else!”

Vaguely amusing. His lips twitched. And a traitorous dimple appeared on his jaw.

She gasped. “Don’t you dare!” Blue eyes narrowed to slits. “Don’t you dare laugh at that, of all things!”

But it’s funny.

He cleared his throat. “You’re being foolhardy.”

“Oh, am I? You’re choke-full of compliments tonight, aren’t you?”

Usually. He thought dryly.

“I would be if I got you alone.” His voice lowered as he shifted to face her fully. Weight propped on crossed forearms.

“Precisely why you won’t.” She leaned nose-to-nose with him.

“Won’t I?” Catching the back of her head he pressed a quick kiss to her lips.

She lunged backward glowering at him.

He gasped in mock feminine outrage. Grinning unabashedly.

“Oh, funny is it?” She shook a fist. Flushing darkly.

It is indeed. Because you’re only like this around them.

I guess the both of us have two faces.

“How long are you going to be mad at me?” He queried tonelessly.

“How long will you keep killing my patrons?”

Endlessly.

“Forever. If warranted.” He shrugged. “But we both know this,” He vaguely gestured around the alehouse. “Isn’t why you’re upset.” His gaze set on her.

Glancing to both sides she saw everyone else had lost interest during their whispered interchange. She tipped over the counter again. “We both know exactly why I’m so mad at you!”

“You can’t be hurt forever.” He leaned closer. The tips of their noses brushing as he returned her heated glare. Teasing her lips with a quick sweep of his as he tipped her chin by lifting his.

“Will you change?” She moaned breathlessly. Before shaking her head quickly and fixing an angry glower on him. Annoyed at her weakness.

She’s not talking about killing.

“I could change many things for you. But I know not how to change that.”

Truthfully.

“Don’t you?” She lifted a brow.

He shook his head slowly. Indicating how serious he was.

“Savage Jack!” Garix Trembath boomed from across Winter Haven. Having just kicked the door closed.

Not right now. Go away. Savage willed. Despite that he liked the man. I was perilously close to some meaningful conversation with the woman.