Green Flame Assassin (Demon Lord series, book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

I’m offering stock in my construction company, not more than five percent.”
“Ten percent,” I said.
“Seven,” he countered.
“Okay, give me three days.  I need to rest, plan, and make arrangements for the trouble I’m heading into.”
“No,” Kimberley said.  “Time is critical.  The other fey courts are going to grow suspicious if my Mistress is in seclusion too long.  You need to start right away.  Surely the diamond is incentive enough.”
“One day at least.  If I go unprepared,” I said, “I risk failure.  It’s better to go when I have all my rubber ducks in a row.”
I looked at Haziar behind her.  With his support, I wouldn’t have to wear myself out arguing.  Kimberly was already used to going along with what he needed her to do.  I could take advantage of that.  His eyes were cold, hard as steel—pretty much the same color too.  He might not have ever heard the Old English nursery rhyme I was about to quote, but its logic would be clear to him; he had the feel of a seasoned warrior.
 
 
“For want of a nail a shoe was lost.
  For want of a shoe a horse was lost.
For want of a horse a rider was lost.             Forwant of a rider the battle was lost...”
 
     
Our eyes remained locked a few seconds longer, then, grimly, he nodded and stared down at Kimberly, who’d settled in a brass-studded, red leather wingback armchair by the fireplace.  There was no fire burning, no orange light to paint her pale skin.  The chair around her was big, like some bloody maw about to swallow her whole.  Like the marble mantle above the chimney, her face was hard, set, and impervious to fate.  Still, she managed a quality of soft delicacy that inclined men to protect her.  I was not untouched by her vulnerability.  It made me want to drag her off—for a fast and furious fuck.
Haziar leaned against the side of her chair, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.  I think this was his way of telling me the lady was spoken for.  He said, “He’s right.  Let him take the time he needs.  Few situations as bad as ours are salvaged by half-measures.”
Sitting on the couch, Old Man lifted his size-thirteen feet to the coffee table.  His hand made a languid gesture toward our visitors.  “During your mission, they will be staying here.”
I smiled at Kimberley.  “Sure, we’re all friends,” my voice dropped to a mutter, “and consenting adults.”
Kimberley seemed oblivious to my interest, but her bodyguard scowled, fingering the silver rose pommel of his fey sword. 
Ignoring the new tension in the room, Old Man went on, “ Achill will add to Kimberly’s protection.  She hasn’t seen anyone, but has a feeling she may have been followed into our world.  If so, we want that attention here in L.A., not following you to Sacramento.”
I nodded.  “Fine, but I don’t want to hear crap about my personal habits.”
I left before anyone could say more.  I had a visit to make before it got too late and Red-Fang closed up shop.  I returned to my room and grabbed the stuffed dragon.  Leona was gone from my bed.  With a strange werewolf in the house, she’d gone invisible and intangible.  Except for Angie, Leona had a jungle cat’s instinctive dislike for werewolves.  If Achill didn’t watch out, he might wake up with her sitting on his chest, eyeing him as dinner—though as a spirit beast she only drank blood.  Still, I was sure he had plenty of that.  It would be hella funny if the Old Man forgot to warn her of messing with the Fenris.  Expensive too, repairing the damage they’d cause. 
I went around my bed, past the bedroom windows, to the full-length standing mirror on the wall.  Hidden in curlicues and scrolls were random Atlantean runes.  My fingertips sought out various symbols in a specific order.  To gain a faster, emergency access, I could have warmed up a tat, paying for magic in pain, but urgency wasn’t required.  As I traced the last rune,