“So how old?”
Her eyes gleamed with curiosity, and he knew he couldn’t resist. “Roman era. Satisfied? And I don’t see how me being a relic will help find your monsters.”
It was clear Violet had more questions but kept them to herself. For now, at least.
“I know, but it helps me forget you’re a vampire by adding layers and information over the image of a deadly bloodsucker.”
“I told you we can trust each other, but anything deeper will only cause trouble.”
The witch put her cup on the table. “Agreed. But as you seem determined to stick around, it won’t hurt to know a little more about my partner in crime.”
“You know that goes both ways. If you start asking questions, I’ll ask my own. Can you live with that?”
Violet seemed to ponder it for a moment. “I guess I can. Especially if it helps you see my point of view.”
Finn couldn’t help but chuckle. “So, it’s a way to make me do your bidding?”
“Tit for tat, for using your convincing powers on me.”
Her statement dampened the mood a little. “Only to make you sleep.”
“I know. Considering I was the one who got all hot and bothered and jumped on you.”
“You won’t see me complain. In fact, I wouldn’t mind being your sex slave for the time being. At least until we close this case.”
The waitress who was carrying their order gasped at his words as she put the plate between them, along with forks, and scurried away with a blush rising.
Violet took a fork and pointed at him. “You embarrassed the waitress.”
Finn licked his lips. “But more importantly, did I embarrass you?”
He heard her faint gasp and the increasing beat in her chest at his words, and right there, he had his answer. Sex was definitely not off the table but he had to play his cards very carefully. He had limited time with the witch, but if she were willing, it would be far from boring.
Shifting gears, he pushed the syrup in her direction. “Now, let’s eat. We have bad guys to kill and interesting personal topics to explore.”
When Violet pushed the empty plate away, Finn was ready to do a happy dance. During the meal, he’d made sure to stay away from any topics of conversation that would remind her of the attack or the current investigation. Instead, he did his best to make her laugh. It had been ages since he’d entertained a woman, and he felt rusty, but Violet wasn’t one to be impressed by anything he did. Instead, he told her about funny bits, inconsequential screw-ups that may have happened to him, and people he knew, embellishing some bits when he knew it would make her smile. Giggling and shaking her head, Violet started eating and didn’t stop until the plate was empty. Finn did eat, but just enough to reassure her she wasn’t the only one trying to finish the pile of food.
They reordered coffee several times, and when the waitress came to remove the plate, Finn felt as if he’d won a battle. It reassured him that nothing was wrong with Violet, not with her appetite at least, and he’d make sure to relay that information to her friends back at Sanctuary.
Unfortunately, this little slice of peace and normalcy had to come to an end.
“Why did you want to come to town? I feel there’s a few pieces of the puzzle you haven’t shared with me yet, because I’m certain you wouldn’t hide anything from your partner, would you?”
His tone was playful, but Violet was no fool and nodded. “Not hiding. Digesting would be a better word for it. I told you I don’t remember the kidnapping or how I escaped, and that’s still true. Even the events surrounding those are foggy. However, I remembered something from before that, and more specifically, an incident that happened in Easthallows.”
Finn focused on her words as she explained the memory that had popped up about being frustrated with Layla and being fired up about getting closer to her goal. An unknown and mysterious one.
Finn was surprised to learn of her involvement with the High Council, even if it was only as an investigator on some cases. It was something Soren, his friend and High Council member, hadn’t judged important enough to tell him. Or was there something else?
Filing the information away for later, he nodded, considering what she’d just said. “I talked with Valeria earlier this morning, and she said she sent the pictures of the symbols to Layla yesterday. I agree the next step is to talk to her and ask her about your memory. What about your contact at the High Council? Wouldn’t that person be able to give you the details on your latest case?”
Violet clenched her jaw. “I’m not sure I want to contact anybody at the High Council. I prefer to stick with people I trust at the moment and discover things for myself. For now, I won’t use that card.”
“You think the threat is coming from there?”
Finn watched her as she considered his question. “I don’t know. So many things are fuzzy in my head, and something inside me says that’s not where to look first.”
With a nod, Finn leaned back. Instinct was an important part of their world, and he wouldn’t question hers. “And Soren, do you trust him?” That question churned in his belly, but he had to know where she stood. He’d put his life in the weredragon’s hands, but if this was an issue for her, he had to know.
“I think so. Look, I see your point, Finn, but can we just keep this whole thing between us for now? I don’t want to shake things up with the High Council.”
Fair point and he could live with that. For a time, at least. However, if the High Council were involved in any way, things could quickly get messy.
“Agreed. Let’s explore
