The lamplight reflected off Zaxe’s dark skin. Reman was handsome in a refined way. Zaxe was much like the weapon he was named after—blunt and powerful. His lips were full, his nose slightly too large, his cheekbones prominent, yet it all came together to create a commanding presence.
“See.” Reman threw his arms out by his sides and raised his hands upward. “Was that so difficult? I expected you to be hideously deformed, but you’re a man like any other. You enjoy being mysterious.” He shot her an aside. “Makes him more irresistible to the ladies, no?”
The urge to roll her eyes was almost too much. She opted to look at her lap to be on the safe side.
“You are Zaxian,” he continued. Reman did like to hear himself talk, and they were a captive audience. “You do look familiar. What is your name?”
“Zaxe.” Jamaeh was surprised he gave it so easily after the battle over the cloak.
“Come, my friend. Do not lie now that we’ve made such progress. That is a weapon, not a name.” She’d said the same earlier. He’d likely continue to hear it every time he met someone.
“It is mine.”
“Not a talkative fellow, are you?” He took a sip of wine. “That’s fine. There are ways to make you talk. I find them more enjoyable.”
“Where is Helldrick?”
“Why should I tell you?”
“I’ll make it worth your while.”
The back and forth was fast and fascinating. It was like watching two deadly cobras dance, each seeking a vulnerable spot in their opponent to strike. She couldn’t look away.
“As I said, he owes me considerable money.”
“How much?” Zaxe leaned across the table and plucked a fig from the bowl. The man either had a death wish or balls of titansteel, rumored to be the most indestructible metal in the universe. She was more inclined to believe the latter was true.
He bit down on the sweet treat. His teeth flashed white and straight. And when he licked his upper lip, she followed the path of his tongue. Heat pooled low in her belly.
Stop it! The warning helped her focus, but nothing could make her look away.
“One hundred thousand Alliance credits.”
Jamaeh put her hand out to catch herself before she toppled over. “One hundred thousand.” The hoarse whisper was barely audible.
“I only advanced him fifty, but he promised double the return. Something about some piece of tech he was involved in selling.”
Zaxe’s entire body stiffened before he relaxed. He knew what that was about. And if they got out of this alive, she was going to make him tell her. Gods, was Helldrick involving Esau in this scheme?
“I’ll make his debt good if you help me find him.”
Shock reverberated through her. What had Helldrick done that he’d give up so much to find him?
No, not just find him. Dear gods, Zaxe was going to kill him. That was why he was so eager. There was no other reason she could think of. She swallowed hard, praying she didn’t lose her supper.
“Now that’s an interesting proposition. How do I know you’ll pay up? I’ll take it in advance.”
Zaxe shook his head. “Fifty thousand up front. If the information you give me leads me to finding Helldrick, I’ll give you the other fifty when I return for my ship. That way, you at least recoup your original investment.”
He tapped his finger against his lips before stroking his beard. “You have audacity. I like that. Done. Payment before information, you understand.”
This was really happening. They were going to get out of here alive.
Zaxe reached into his pocket. Two of the guards pulled blasters, aiming for his heart. He raised his hand to show his communicator. “Where do you want the money wired?”
“Now? You’re paying now?” Reman threw back his head and laughed. “My friend, what is the rush?”
“Time is of the essence. The account.”
Her spine itched but she wouldn’t scratch it, would do nothing to bring attention her way. She’d likely lost two pounds tonight, all of it sweat. She wanted away from here, to go home, wash away the day, and figure out what to do next. But that wasn’t going to happen. Zaxe was going to be on Helldrick’s trail. She was sticking to him like a burr to a mulkey’s hide until they found him.
Whether he killed her father mattered little to her. What became of her brother did.
The information was given, the money transferred. So much money and neither of them blinked an eye. She was so out of her league.
“I have your money. What is to stop me from killing you?”
“Greed.” Zaxe tucked his communicator away. “That and the fact that the wire transfer will allow the people on the other end to track you if something happens to me.”
It was dangerous and brilliant and something she would never have thought to do. But you had to have friends willing to risk their lives for you to pull something like that off.
“Not possible.” Reman tossed back the last of his wine. “It is totally secure.”
“Not to the people I work with.” Zaxe rose and held his hand out to her. While she’d prefer to get up on her own, it was better to take it than to try to stand and then end up on her butt because her legs wouldn’t hold her. He gave her fingers an extra squeeze before releasing her. “I held up my part of the bargain,” he reminded Reman.
“So you did. The last location I have for Helldrick is in a community of outcasts on the edge of the Edowan Dessert. I’m sure you can find a guide to take you at least part of the way.”
Zaxe gave a short nod and pulled his hood up. They were halfway across the room when Reman called out. “You can go. Not her. She owes me payment for the dishonor shown to me this evening.”
She wanted to run, but getting shot in the back was the likely outcome of that. “You got what you came for,” she cautioned Zaxe. “Go.”
“What about you?” His voice was oddly flat.
“I’ll figure something out. I always do.” She’d find some way to diffuse Reman’s anger. Zaxe had to get out of here before Reman changed his mind and killed them both.
Chapter Five
The woman had no sense of self-preservation. She was always trying to protect people. First her bother and now him. And this was the second time today she’d put herself in jeopardy for him.
He could kill Reman and his guards, but that would only bring trouble. Better to leave them alive for now and come back for them at a later date. “I don’t have the time or patience to find another guide.” Zaxe met Reman’s gaze. “And as I said, time is of the essence.”
The bastard was enjoying himself. His type got his kicks from manipulating other people, making them dance to his tune, hurting them for his entertainment. “I will give you a guide.”
Zaxe shook his head. “Forgive me, but I wouldn’t trust anyone you’d offer.”
Reman’s eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. It was curious that he prized his honor so much, considering he had no trouble breaking laws or using people. But people were funny. Look at him. Didn’t he have his own code of conduct? As an assassin, one who’d killed on command, he had no room to cast stones. Only he’d killed to protect those he loved. Reman killed solely for profit and because he enjoyed it.