Page 73 of Bargain with Fate
She blinked rapidly. “That’s right.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to tell you what you are. Obviously, you already know. I’ve been wondering about it since the last time we met, and it just hit me.”
Her easygoing smile eased my embarrassment. “It’s okay. Most people think I’m a minx, so I’m impressed you guessed correctly.”
“The boat is also a giveaway. Otters are more aquatic.”
“We are. Make yourself comfortable, Maya.” She gave me another appreciative look before returning to her duties.
I took advantage of the solitude and listened to the sound of the waves as they splashed against the yacht. The moment the island disappeared from view, I started second-guessing myself. What if I was overreacting and returning to the mainland for nothing? I’d made it through my last visit unscathed. I was courting discovery by returning so soon.
But if I was right?—
“Need directions?” Nina offered, once we’d docked.
“No thanks. I have my phone.”
My foot made contact with the mainland, and I braced myself for a peal of thunder or a lightning strike. Nothing happened.
One of these days I might not be so lucky. Thankfully, today was not that day.
I walked multiple blocks and noticed that some of the sidewalks had been made with crushed oyster shells. Not something I’d seen in my youthful travels.
Nina was right about the location. The Olde Pink House was a three-story, rose-hued building designed to cater to the classical tastes of the era. The Georgians sure did love their symmetrical architecture.
The lower level managed to be both cozy and atmospheric. Low ceiling with dim lighting. Brick walls. Wooden floors. Vale sat alone at a small table near the fireplace flanked by two cushioned chairs. The neighboring tables were empty, and I had a sneaking suspicion he’d made sure that was the case.
I joined him at the table. A bottle of Malbec stood unopened, flanked by two glasses. I appreciated that he waited until I arrived to open the bottle, not that I was actually worried the demigod would spike my drink. As powerful as he was, he seemed to have a healthy relationship to it.
“Nice blade,” he said, inclining his head toward my semi-concealed weapon. “Really brings out the color of your eyes.”
“I thought your team was handling the sting.”
“They are.”
“Then why am I meeting you?”
“I’ve come to observe.”
I swiveled in the chair. “The meeting is taking place in here?”
“The square outside. I decided to get here early.”
“Dinner and a show.” I surveyed the room. “It’s nice for a basement.”
“Did you expect a damp floor and chains?”
“Hard to know with you.”
He looked affronted. “I’m the Protector.”
“You’re also the son of Enmesharra, who doesn’t have the sunniest reputation.”
His face darkened. “I’m not my father.”
“I’m beginning to believe it.”
That seemed to settle him. “I wasn’t even raised alongside my brothers.”
