Crown Jewel Read Online Free PDF Page A

one by one to the ground. When he was done, a smug look on his face and a noticeable bulge in his breeches, he stepped back—and bellowed in outrage as Celeste backhanded him.
    Dodging the angry swing he threw, Celeste tripped him, pinned him to the mat, and retrieved one of his daggers, pressing it to the man's throat. "Did you think I was lying, you weed-addled fool? No one touches me without my permission and plenty of coin. You owe me one sovereign."
    The man sneered at him. "I'm not paying you a wooden pence, slut. You did nothing for me; I ain't doing nothing for you."
    Celeste smirked, readjusting his grip on the dagger, then reached down with his other hand to grab the man's hard cock through his breeches. "Feels like I do plenty for you," he purred, tossing his hair and letting it fall just so around his shoulders. "Rough play isn't my thing, pet, but if you like pretty little men tossing you around and holding knives to your throat, I can recommend a few excellent jewels."
    "Go to fucking—"
    "Enough," Marco barked out. "Celeste!" He moved and Celeste twisted, neatly catching the flashing gold sovereign Marco tossed. Tucking it away, he then roughly released the man beneath him, standing and retrieving all his daggers. Sliding them back into place, he looked at Marco and said, "Your men lack discipline."
    "Not for long," Marco said, making the offender pale—and gladly bolt when Marco indicated that he should. "So what brings the Jewel of Jewels to our humble teahouse? Must be interesting indeed, for you to come yourself."
    Celeste tossed his hair and said scornfully "Jewels do their own work. A job worth doing is worth doing oneself."
    Marco chuckled. "You haven't changed a bit." He tossed back the last of his wine, and then stood up. "So let's speak." He strutted off, leaving Celeste to follow.
    Shooting last warning looks at the men eying him, Celeste followed Marco through the teahouse and past sliding paper doors to the rooms in the back. They smelled of tea and wine, flowers and cheap cologne and sex. He wrinkled his nose in distaste that the theatre district would so brazenly run a cheap brothel instead of directing such business to the Jewel District. Honor among thieves, indeed. Damned actors.
    Marco led him down the narrow hallway and past several rooms from which all manner of sounds emanated, until they reached one at the end. Marco slid the door shut behind them, then moved to settle amongst the pillows scattered around a low, small table meant for two.
    Sitting down on the opposite side, moving so that his hair slid and tumbled just so, Celeste tilted his head back and to one side. "Life is treating you well, Marco."
    "I work hard to ensure it does," Marco replied, chuckling, eyes dragging slowly up and down Celeste's body. "It's treated you better."
    "I worked hard to ensure it," Celeste mimicked. "A pretty form only goes so far, after all."
    "Mm," Marco agreed. "So why has the Crown Jewel come to see me?"
    Celeste slowly removed his jacket and tossed it casually aside. A server appeared then, knocking discreetly on the door. She slipped inside quietly and swiftly arranged a tray of wine and light food, then slipped away again. When they were alone, Celeste said, "I work for the House of Peace. It is owned and mastered by Pio. He is a wastrel and a dream addict. Right now, I own ten percent of the business; it was part of my terms for agreeing to move to the House of Peace. I want one hundred percent, but I will not get it if Pio dies or gets himself arrested before I can afford it. Seven months is all I need. I want him kept off dream smoke for those seven months."
    "You want me to ensure he is not sold any. That could make him more dangerous."
    Celeste gave a short, sharp shake of his head. "I can handle him, if he's off the drugs."
    "For seven months," Marco repeated, as though tasting the words. He stood up abruptly and strode to the door, barking at someone down the hall. After a moment, he