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“Are you sure? This looks very… My answers didn’t exactly help you, did they?”
“No, but it’d be foolish of me to expect all the pieces to come together so soon. While it may not seem like it, you’ve been helpful. And will have the chance to be helpful again.”
Ryrik proceeded to cut into his dinner. I followed suit. The meat cut like butter. It took all my control to not devour it immediately when my stomach growled.
After a single bite, I had to pause and savor the taste. The meat melted in my mouth. I always thought that was just an expression fancy and rich people said. But this meat literally did. I never thought I’d ever experience anything like this. And there were some on the station who ate like this every day.
“Wait,” I said as the realization hit me. “What do you mean I’ll have the chance to be helpful again? I don’t know what other questions you could ask that I’d have answers for.”
“No more questions,” Ryrik said as he took another bite of his dinner. “Probably. About Conii at least, for now.”
“Then how could I help?”
“I want you to just keep doing what you’re doing.”
“Excuse me?”
“You need to keep up appearances. Don’t let anyone know that I’ve caught on to you. Certainly, don’t let them know you’ve told me everything. You and Isa would not last long if that got out.”
“You want me to keep working for them?”
I was expecting him to take me away from them. Cut off their access to the casino through me. These Vinduthi were just full of surprises.
“Of course, I do. You are our one link to Conii and her plans. That’s a valuable resource that we can’t risk giving up. So, yes. Don’t change anything about your behavior. Don’t tell anyone about our conversations. But keep me up to date on any developments.”
“Sure…”
“In the meantime, I’ll come up with a real plan. And let you know when I have it ready.”
I cut off another small piece of the meat before me. I very slowly raised it to my mouth.
“You’re eating with a Vinduthi, Amber,” Ryrik said with a hint of amusement in his voice. “You don’t have to worry about being polite.”
“Sorry, I’m trying to pace myself. I’ve never had anything this good before. I want it to last.”
“You’ve never had Mondion roast before?”
“This is made of Mondions?” My stomach turned.
“No,” Ryrik said quickly. “No, no, no, it’s not. It’s just the traditional spices and cooking methods of the Mondions. Don’t worry. It’s made from some livestock. Nothing with thumbs or language.”
“Oh…” My heart rate slowed. Then I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. “No, clearly, I’ve never even heard of it. Never had anything this good.”
“Really?”
“With the Quilthar, I never got more than table scraps. And before them, I was lucky to eat anything at all.”
“Well,” Ryrik said. “If you keep helping me take down Conii, I’ll be sure to reward you with more meals like this. Whatever your heart, or stomach, may desire.”
He smiled at me in a way I didn’t think he was capable of until then. It was charming, almost. Even as I sat there fearing for my life, I couldn’t help but get a little caught up in it. Once more, I was lured into a comfortable daydream of dating a rich, handsome man who wanted nothing more than to treat me. The thought of getting to eat like this every day was exhilarating, but not as much as the thought of sharing it with Ryrik.
A girl could dream.
“Thank you. I’ll help however I can…”
I couldn’t help but feel a little warmth growing in my chest at his offer. It was odd. Just a few hours ago, I was sure he was going to kill me. Now we were eating dinner together. And I didn’t think I’d mind eating with him again.
And maybe again.
