He gave me a long look. “Oh, I think you do.”

I didn’t bother denying it, but I also wasn’t about to bring down the mood by talking about past hurt and self-protection. “It was all a long time ago and not worth a mention.”

“A lie I can all but taste.”

I smiled and tucked my arm through his as Henrick opened the door and ushered us out. “Shall we talk about breakfast? Because I’m thinking there definitely needs to be croissants this time.”

“As ever, m’lady, your wish is my command.”

The conversation moved on, and we strolled through the semi-deserted streets unhurriedly, simply enjoying each other’s company on this cold, wintery night.

Until I felt the tension in him, that is.

I silently studied the well-lit street ahead but couldn’t immediately see a reason. But the comments I’d heard in the Eye rose, and apprehension stirred.

“Is something wrong?” I asked softly.

“You could say that.” His gaze met mine, his expression annoyed more than anything else. “We’re being followed.”

Chapter Ten

I didn’t question his certainty. He was a dark elf, after all, and the old cobblestones were a superhighway of information to someone who could command stone as easily as I did wood.

“How many?”

“Four.”

I frowned. “Four isn’t many considering what happened last time someone attacked you. Or rather, foolishly attacked your sister while you were in the vicinity.”

“It’s possible there’s more up ahead—closer to my apartment—and that those behind us are merely reporting our location.” He glanced down at me. “I don’t suppose you brought your knives along, did you?”

“Why do you think this purse is so heavy?”

I’d also brought the Eye, though it was sitting in its little silk purse under my left breast, as that was the best way I could think of to keeping it close without spoiling the look of the outfit. I’d expected it to be annoying, but it surprisingly wasn’t.

His smile briefly crinkled the corners of his eyes. “I do like a woman who comes fully prepared for all eventualities.”

“One has to, given what’s happened to me in the recent past. What if they use Dahbree again?”

“If this is the kidnapping attempt you saw in the Eye, they’re more likely to use something that will take us down faster—another reason to handle this situation before we walk into any trap that might be waiting.”

“Meaning you have a plan?”

“I always have a plan.” The mischief dancing in his eyes suggested he wasn’t just referring to the current situation. “Can you fight in those shoes?”

I gave him a long look. “Have you not seen the size of my heels?”

He glanced down. “Yes, and while they are pretty, they’re not very practical for purpose.”

“Maybe not for the purpose you’re proposing, but they were perfect for an evening of seduction. Which,” I added with a sigh, “I can sadly see slipping away.”

“It won’t take long to deal with the four behind us.”