Page 94 of Protect Me
“Sway Verity,” D replies. “She is here voluntarily and has no House ring or affiliation. She was a temporary guest of your House until she ended her relationship with Robert Bardot.”
I growl at the way he says the words. Fucking bullshit. She didn’t end the relationship so much as he tried to end her. Nikki’s eyes zero in on my barely contained rage, and she studies me a moment.
"Sounds to me like you’re saying she was held here against her will,” Nikki replies. She leans back, and one of the men whispers something into her ear. Her expression shifts, going from a complete lack of interest to borderline fascination. “I saw her at your circus when we visited, but I couldn’t place her face. Interesting. We were told Robert’s fiancé is on an extended vacation to her family home.”
"That is a lie,” D replies coolly.
“I see. According to you, she left, and now Robert wants her back?”
“He is attempting to take her against her will. And he’s put a bounty on her head to get her.”
“For a mere human? If she’s a worthless, houseless—”
“She is not worthless,” Duncan snarls.
The woman shifts her gaze to him, a slow smile forming at the corners of her lips. “My question still stands. Why would he risk pissing off the great and powerful Ringmaster over a human woman?”
“Because she’s not a human,” D replies. “And he was planning to use her power to influence the election and put himself in your place. In fact, had Sway not run, you would not be sitting where you are right now.”
The men all straighten enough for me to notice, but Nikki keeps her emotionless mask in place. “What type of magic can influence that way?”
“A muse,” D replies.
Nikki’s mates exchange a look.
“I thought they were extinct,” Nikki says.
“Nearly. But I feel I need to remind you that she is not a member of your House and is currently indentured to me.”
Nikki grins. “We’ve no interest in your muse, Ringmaster. But Robert’s access to her concerns me. Have you confirmed he is truly the one sending the Crimson Hunters after her?
“From multiple sources,” Duncan says.
My temper flashes again as I remember that asshole Zaxby and what he tried to do to our girl. Somehow, I manage to keep my shit locked down though. The four members of Earth and Emerald remain quiet for a few moments, staring back at the screen, and I can’t help but wonder if they aren’t able to communicate through the mate bond. All of them in tune with one another. Jealousy burns hot inside of me. That’s what I want with Sway. And Robert is an obstacle in our fucking way.
“What is it you request of us?” Nikki finally asks.
“Permission to eliminate a man who poses a threat to both of us,” D says.
Gotta give it to him. He tosses the words out so casually that you’d think he’s asking to borrow a cup of sugar.
Nikki merely sniffs. “I’m Chancellor for the next decade,” she replies, “He doesn’t pose a threat to me.”
“He will,” D argues. “One day. If you don’t believe me, question him yourself. I am asking you for permission to solve a problem future you might not see coming.”
She narrows her gaze. “You want to kill him?”
“Yes.”
“And if I say no?”
“Don’t,” D retorts. “You owe me, and I’m collecting.”
“A location for a life? Quite a bargain hunter you are.”
“I agree. You are getting far more out of this deal than I am,” D says. “Maintaining your control as head of your House is greater than the life of one.”
A low growl emits from my throat.