By Fairy Means or Foul: A Starfig Investigations Novel(13)

So yeah, I got where Quinn was coming from. “Of course. Why do you think I feel the way I do about social hierarchy? It isn’t fair. It isn’t kind. If I could, I’d abolish all indentured servitude and the guild system. But I still don’t see your point.”

“That we’re alike and should stick together. I can be a big help. Please don’t make me feel useless. It’s been three long years with Brandsome.”

Nice speech. I still wouldn’t put him in any danger. I sighed. “I don’t think you’re useless. Just not best suited to storming the gate—”

“But—”

“—Besides, I work alone.”

“Come on, I know the Steamy Bean Café like the back of my hand.” He held it up and wiggled his fingers. “I can help you find the horn. I bet I even know where he keeps it.”

“I. Don’t. Need. Your. Help. First, you tell me I’m runty, then say I’m huge, and definitely not cute. Well, you know what, Quinn, I’m dragon-born and fairy-born. That means I’ve got some of each of their powers. Dragons know how to find treasure. I can sense it in my bones. For example, I know you’re hiding a trinket in your bag that’s old, probably a ring. It’s gold with some sort of gem.” I inhaled. “Ruby. With a faint trace of magic. You’ve used it recently.”

His face showed his surprise.

“I’m also able to wield magic to protect myself. Like most fairies.” I didn’t say that my protection spells were weaker than most, but with my increased strength and thick hide, I’d say I got the better deal. Plus, harmful magic generally didn’t work on me.

“Okay, then it should be that much easier.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Yes. For me. Alone.”

“But—”

“Look, what gives, Quinn? You have a death wish or something?” I stalked toward him and he began backing up as I loomed over him. If he couldn’t stand his ground with me, no way was I taking him to Rainbowpebbles’s place. “You an adrenaline junkie? That it? You one of those freaky humans that puts on a dragon suit and jumps off village clock towers or something?”

His back came up against the wall and I leaned into him, using my arms to cage him. It was an a-hole thing to do considering I promised I wouldn’t hurt him and here I was scaring the shit out of him. Except, he needed to understand; I wasn’t putting him in harm’s way. Non- negotiable.

The vein at the base of Quinn’s neck beat in time to his frantic heart. Even though he schooled his features, I sensed his fear. But to give the guy credit, his spine straightened and he glared at me.

“You can try to intimidate me all you want. Won’t change my mind.” He tilted his chin up so he could stare me down. Under all that face paint and fear, he was a feisty one.

I approved.

With our faces pressed close, I sensed the tremor he tried to hide. Our lips were so near I just needed to lean forward a bare inch . . . but I promised him he’d be safe with me.

As I slowly drew back, I caught another glimpse of the ink on his neck, mostly hidden by the collar. Humans would tattoo anything, anywhere. Adornment wouldn’t stick to fairy skin, though with my dragon heritage, I might be able to ink some runes on my skin. Full-blooded dragons sported tattoo-like markings resembling scales that ran over various parts of their bodies when in their shifted forms. Since I didn’t have any, I admired skin adornment more than most.

Without thinking, I ran a finger down his cheek. He gasped. I continued down his chin, trailing onto his neck, and hooked my finger into his collar. His hand flew to mine and stilled it.

“Don’t.” His eyes went wide again, his impassive mask slipping.

Interesting. I had the urge to ask him about it, but removed my hand. Everyone was entitled to their secrets.

“You didn’t answer my question.” After an awkward pause, I put a little more distance between our bodies. Not enough if my hardening cock had anything to do with it. Well, demon dicks, what was that about? Why did his defiance turn me on?

“W-What question was that?” His voice trembled. More and more curious.

“Why you want to get involved in my job.”

He blinked. Clearly he hadn’t expected that to be my question. He tilted his head slightly, considering.

“You wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me, Blondie.”

“Can you please just call me Quinn?” His jaw clenched as he said it, but his tone was almost pleading, his eyes squeezing shut. “You’re the first person to say my name in . . . a long time.”

I longed to brush my knuckle across his cheek again, but held back. WTF? Was Brandsome’s magic still affecting me? I said I wouldn’t molest him and here I was getting all touchy feely. I was being a total bastard and I knew it. I owed him an apology. Instead, I said, “Try me, Quinn.”

“I want to set the sprite free.”

I considered his words. “Why?”

His eyes snapped open and he shoved me. I didn’t budge, but it was a good effort.

“What do you mean, ‘why?’ Why do you think? What kind of life does she have in Lapus’s hands? Being drained of her blood, kept in a cage.” He shuddered. “Enslaved to the whims of her master. He’s vile.”

I agreed with him. “In a cage, you say?”