The moment the refreshments hit the table, I knew exactly what kind of person we were dealing with.
Not generous.
Not welcoming.
Strategic.
Everything placed just right. Drinks close enough to relax you, not enough to distract you. Food that makes you stay longer, think slower, talk more.
I picked up a pastry anyway.
I'm not stupid, but I'm also not wasting free food.
I leaned slightly toward Keiji, keeping my voice low.
"Why does she feel like a female version of Lord Cazash?"
Keiji didn't even blink. Just took a slow sip of his drink like he'd already figured her out ten moves ago.
"I'm laying the groundwork," he murmured. "Cazash handles negotiations."
"What? You're planning to take him to this tower?" I gasped and looked at Keiji with questioning eyes.
"Needs to be done. He knows this stuff too well, might as well let him handle things where he excels."
I paused mid-bite.
Then glanced back at Fiona.
Yeah.
That smile?
That quiet, calculating stillness?
