By Fairy Means or Foul: A Starfig Investigations Novel(5)

“I need payment upfront. Fifty gold dypari.”

“Oh, well, I thought . . .” He sounded genuinely confused.

“I always request half the money upfront. The other half on completion of the job.”

“See, here’s the thing. . . . I’m a little short. Oh, gingersnaps and grape jelly, I’m not explaining myself well, am I? I mean, I can get it, of course, but I don’t have it today.” Brandsome reached out and touched my arm again and I felt his magic course through my body.

Damn, it was some potent stuff. But if there was one area where I couldn’t be swayed, it was adding to my hoard. Though truthfully if Quinn hadn’t given me meadowmint bark, I wouldn’t be able to resist Brandsome's pull. Even now, I bit my tongue to keep from giving him what he desired.

“I’m sorry. I’d like to help you,” I choked out, my tongue trying to rebel, “but I can’t bend my rules for any client or I’d have to do it for all of them.” It physically hurt not to give him what he wanted. I ground my back teeth down on the bark, drawing as much of the taste into my mouth to give me strength.

“You don’t have to tell anyone. I can keep a secret if you can.”

“Unfortunately, I must decline. At least for today. When you get the funds, please come back and I’ll be delighted to help you.” I closed my notebook with a snap, my hands shaking from the effort to resist his magic. I needed him to leave so I could think straight again.

“You can take my pet as collateral.”

Quinn groaned and my eyes shot to Brandsome before landing on the human. His face expression was an interesting mix of horror and hopefulness. What an odd combination. What did it mean?

“He’s a great . . . um, a good . . . enough servant. You’ll see,” Brandsome said, enthusiasm lacing his voice. He ran a gentle hand through Quinn’s hair.

So why did Quinn flinch? Which one was playing me? Then again, in the Elder it was likely to be both. Everyone had an agenda.

“I . . .”

“He spent time at the Steamy Bean Café with me and would be very helpful when you go to confront Lapus. If you need to break in, I bet he’d figure out a way. My pet’s quite clever for a human.”

I felt like I should be examining the poor guy’s teeth. A thief then. In the Hominus Realm that secured a quick ticket to indentured servitude or a long stint in a human dungeon. I couldn’t blame Quinn for choosing to be a unicorn’s companion. I should have known that’s how he ended up in the Elder. My dragon should have also known since thieves tended to raid hoards if given the opportunity. Yet, all remained calm. Weird. Still . . .

“I don’t need his help.”

“I didn’t want to be crass, but you’ve forced my hoof. He’s, uh . . .” he lowered his voice. “Very eager. In the bedroom, I mean.” Brandsome blushed a fiery shade of red, while Quinn’s face paled noticeably even under all the face paint. “I mean, that would be part of the perk if you’re into humans. I saw how you were looking at him when I reentered the room. The only stipulation is that you have to take good care of my pet. I’m very fond of him.”

On the surface, it was a tempting offer. Except, I’d never force any human—male or female—no matter how exotic, into my bed. Especially not a bed slave who didn’t feel like he had any choice. Just the fact Brandsome offered him up turned my stomach.

Before I could tell him I wasn’t interested, Brandsome snapped his fingers and Quinn sprung from his seat like he’d been bitten by a nine-headed hydra and hurried over to slide onto my lap. He batted his lashes and started running his hands over my shoulders and chest. His expression locked in what was supposed to pass for aroused, but looked suspiciously vacant.

I clasped his hands when they began to slide toward my trousers. No doubt he felt my interest. My dick had been overeager ever since Brandsome and his magic walked into my office. He tugged to free himself from my grip, the motion a little panicked. Almost desperate. I squeezed tighter until he stilled.

“I’ll take him.” I could have kicked myself, except I feared Brandsome would hand over Quinn’s papers to another in order to secure the coin he’d need to pay me. While not all creatures would take advantage of an indentured human, most wouldn’t hesitate. I told myself I just didn’t want that on my conscience.

Of course, it was just as likely that I was being played. But could I take the chance that Quinn would be passed off to someone else? And why did I care about a human thief? Maybe it had something to do with my dragon purring like a contented cat. What was up with that?

Well, Quinn could clean my office and maybe even cook some meals. In fact, he could take over some of my duties. No reason I couldn’t use him as temporary office staff. After all, I was looking for an assistant. Might as well get something out of the arrangement. I’d just make sure I didn’t leave out anything easily pocketed.

“Goodie gumdrops! You won’t be sorry!” Brandsome clapped his hands together. I found him much less charming now that he so willingly traded his “pet,” even though my cock liked his magic just fine. He glided to his feet. “I’ll just be going then. I don’t want to keep you from your job. Quirk, behave for Mr. Starfruit. None of your sass, pet. Remember what we talked about.”

Quinn stiffened in my lap, his gaze ricocheting between us. Poor guy. Brandsome muttered something under his breath and flourished his hand in a sort of intricate pattern. A large cloth sack and a scroll appeared. Had to be Quinn’s contract. He unrolled it and placed his thumb on it, then laid it on the desk for me to sign.