Page 12 of House of Crimson Cloak and Silver Teeth

“Let me go,” I say, testing.

“No.”

“I told you. I’m not here to hurt you,” I say it quietly.

“You’re lying. I don’t believe you.” His hand touches my chest, his palm flat against my sternum. “Your heart is racing.”

“Because I’m hanging from a fucking ceiling.” I bite out, glaring at him through the blindfold.

He pauses, considering. “Maybe.”

Garrett’s hand moves up to circle my throat, his thumb settling into the hollow where my pulse hammers. I go still despite myself.

Is he going to strangle me to death?

“You haven’t answered my question. Who sent you?” His breath ghosts across my collarbone.

I press my lips together.

Silence stretches. His hand remains on my throat, feeling every swallow and breath.

“Fine,” he says eventually. “We’ll come back to that. Let’s start with something easier. Your name.”

“No.”

“No?” He sounds amused at my refusal.

“I can’t tell you that. It’s part of the guild rules.” The admission feels like a mistake.

“Anonymity is sacred,” he mutters, confirming something he already knew. “I understand.”

Garrett doesn’t sound like he understands. He sounds like he’s playing with me. His hand drops from my throat. I hear him moving, footsteps circling behind me. Then his hands are on me again, patting down my sides.

“What are you doing?” I ask, voice tight.

“Making sure you’re not hiding any weapons I missed.” His hands move over me, checking my ribs and my waist. “Can’t be too careful with assassins.”

It’s a standard search and professional. There’s nothing inappropriate about it.

So why is my face burning?

His hands move to my hips and slide down the outside of my thighs. My breathing changes, coming faster. He runs his hand on my inner thigh…wait.

What was that just now?

“Are you alright?” His hands pause. “Your face is flushed. Do you have a fever?”

“I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.” Concern colors his voice. “Your breathing changed.”

Because your hands are on me, you bastard.

“I said I’m fine,” I repeat through gritted teeth.

His thorough inspection proceeds. He pats down my legs with the same careful attention. I can feel my body responding. Heat pools low in my gut, everything below my waist waking up and taking notice. This is humiliating.

His hands continue their search. Back up the inside of my thighs. Getting dangerously close to—