Page 97 of Sharpest Court

And this time, I would be facing Zeke with leverage of my own.

I glanced toward Keil in pointed silence. And though he didn’t yet understand my whole intent, he understood enough to sigh and say, “Lead the way.”

With a faint smile, I took a seat at Zeke’s table.

“Staff can’t play,” the dealer said.

Keil flashed a handful of coins at her. “You’re wanted outside.”

After a beat, she pocketed the gold and withdrew.

Finally, Zeke’s eyes rose, bloodshot and void of recognition. I glanced back to ensure the curtain was shut, then removed my mask.

Zeke stiffened as though from the lash of a whip, suddenly alert. “Dinah. What are you doing here?”

I smiled, my voice laced with honey. “I thought I’d come and say hello.”

“I didn’t realize our time together meant that much to you.”

“Well, you left quite an impression.”

“So did you,” he said, sneering. Then he pocketed his marbles and stood, heading for the curtain—

And halted before Keil, who now smirked down at him in challenge.

“It’s very rude to walk away from such a lovely lady’s company,” Keil drawled.

Zeke backed away, breathing fast. “What is this?”

“Sit down, Zeke,” I said. “I might have something to trade.”

“I want nothing from you,” he spat.

“Not even my silence?” I asked. When he blanched, I laughed under my breath, the courtier in me relishing the thrill of cornering him on the gameboard. “How’s this? I won’t tell the authorities that you smuggled yourself onto this island. And in return . . . you tell me how you did it.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said weakly.

“Hm.” Keil cocked his head. “He’s not a very good liar, is he?”

“Oh, he’s just nervous,” I said silkily. “He gave a much more convincing performance at the compound. You remember that, don’t you, Zeke? When you generously withheld my identity so long as I took the blame for your dullroot stash?”

“We had a deal,” he seethed. “It’s not my fault you couldn’t control your power. Maybe if you’d taken the dullroot like I suggested—”

“Then you would’ve miraculously transformed into a better person?”

He looked toward Keil again, face reddening. “Tell your bodyguard to stand down. I know the rules. Nobody gets in here without a suppressant, which means he can’t shove me around with a specter.”

Keil’s dark smile grew. “Who said I needed a specter?”

Zeke looked faintly ill. “How much is she paying you for this?” he asked quietly. “I’ll double it.”

While those words made me pity him a little, Keil only crossed his arms, unyielding.

“I’m afraid my services are exclusive.” Keil’s gaze flicked to mine, his voice deepening. “And I’m already hers.”

My stomach somersaulted at his grave expression and the earnest look in his eyes.

But as Zeke slumped back in his seat, defeated, I stifled my emotions and expectantly raised my eyebrows.