Page 9 of Devil in Her Details

“Well?” she demanded. “Who is your brother? Who are you? Let me be clear, I only take on trusted clients. New clients must be referred by trusted clients, and I don’t believe you are one of those.”

Sodding hell.

His whole body tightened at her defiance, and Dagger’s lips hitched into a grin. What an interesting chit. Beauty had never been a quality that drew his attention. Pretty was simply pretty. Beauty, after all, was subjective. But now he couldn’t help but notice her anew. The intelligence flashing behind her gaze. The way she measured him as boldly as he measured her. And much to his annoyance, and damnably unhelpful, the plump, pink curve of her lips.

Bloody hell, Dagger. Plump, pink?

He shivered at his own damn thoughts.

“I see that I’m right,” she remarked dryly.

Dagger bit back a curse. This woman saw way too much for comfort. All he wanted to do was clear up his brother’s suspicions. Who’d have thought he’d be met with such a disarming adversary? Nevertheless. Could she possibly match him in cunning? “That I’m not from your trusted circle is the least of your worries.”

Her eyes flashed with fire.

Good. She understood his meaning. He nodded at the window. “I’ve also noticed your pest.”

Her eyes flew wide, darting past him to where that black carriage waited.

He had been correct on that score, at least. She had a pest. He hinted further, “The Peregrine is a curious choice for lodgings as well.”

Her eyes snapped back to him, and he was unsure whether she had caught the last. “Just who are you, sir?”

“Dagger Fury, at your service.”

“Service? Somehow, I doubt that’s true. What is it, exactly, that you want? Is it really a strap for your daggers?”

“Yes.”

Her blazing eyes studied him, her suspicion palpable. “Did Calvington send you?”

“Who is Calvington?”

“Come now. You reveal all these things about me, and you expect me to accept such a glib answer?”

Dagger lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “You came highly recommended.”

“An exaggeration, I’m sure.”

“Slightly.”

Her gaze turned cutting, and Dagger inwardly huffed a laugh at the fascinating sight.

“Well.” She uncrossed and crossed her arms again. “You can’t afford me.”

“Name your price.” He’d pay anything.

She scoffed, arching a challenging brow. “Oh? What if my price is kneeling before me and beg?”

Kneel? Dagger barked out a laugh. No. “How about I remove your pest?”

That piqued her curiosity, he could tell.

Her eyes sharpened. Recalculating. “Now why would you offer that?”

Her skepticism couldn’t be clearer. As was his. Dagger couldn’t say for sure that she had no tie with his uncle or that betrayer of a brother. Those two favored using unsuspecting pawns to bend events to their will. This fiery little “milliner” might not even be aware of being used. Otherwise, would she ever truly have come under the suspicion of that madman Reaper? Their paths should never have crossed.

“I can beg if you want me. On my knees.” He bit back a grin at her rearing. “But I do want a belt for my daggers.” He half-cocked his head, following the twitches mapping a journey across her face. “I’m curious about the quality of your work.”