“Actually, I’ve got some business to take care of before the meeting.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s gonna be real quick. I’ll be back with plenty of time for the deal.”

“Are you serious, Scorpia?” Her eyes go wide. “Momma left you in charge. You’re supposed to be handling this.”

I’m already stepping away as she finishes. I don’t want to wait until the twins get back and have to run through the whole explanation again. Drom won’t give a shit about me leaving, but Pol gets jittery when plans change, and I don’t have time to waste on soothing his nerves.

“Already handled it.” I hold my hands out in a placating gesture. “Like I said, I’ll be quick. Just visiting an old friend.”

“You don’t have friends.”

“Oof.” I dramatically press a hand to my heart. She scowls, and I drop it and laugh. “Okay, you’re right. Not a friend. It’s a steamy, illicit love affair. That good enough for you?”

“Scorpia.” I was prepared to walk away despite any further nagging, but something in her tone makes me stop and look back at her. She frowns at me, her arms folded across her chest, but the expression is worried rather than harsh. “Just tell me you’re not doing something stupid because of this whole thing with Corvus.”

I gape at her a moment before snapping my mouth shut. Annoyance surges up inside me.

“Mind your own business for once,” I snap. “I don’t need a babysitter. All right?”

Lyre presses her lips together like she’s trying to keep words back. But just as I’m once again about to leave, she says, “I’m trying to help you.” The words tumble out in a rush, like she’s forcing them out before she can second-guess herself. I pause but don’t turn around. “Look, Momma’s gone and something’s off about this whole job. You shouldn’t be alone in Levian. Whatever you’re doing, bring me with you. I can keep a secret.”

I glance back. Her cheeks are red, but she meets my gaze steadily. For a moment I consider the offer. It could be nice to have a second pair of eyes and Lyre’s sharp mind… but no. The thought is foolish. Lyre is probably just looking to steal some of the profit—and Momma’s favor—for herself. Either that, or she plans to rat me out.

And I don’t need her. I’m trying to prove I’m capable of running a job all by myself, without Momma or anyone else breathing down my neck. I have to do this on my own.

“Thanks but no thanks. I can handle myself, little sis.”

I walk away before she can get another word in.

CHAPTER SIX

The Old Bear

Corvus