Felix does not release her, but he does not pull her any closer either. “You shouldn’t offer what you’re not prepared to give.”

“I didn’t offer you anything,” she says, her own anger rising.

“No?” Felix raises his eyebrows. “Too bad for you, then. The more I think about it, the more your little hints make sense. One day, Rufus will leave you.” He stresses the words with relish. “And then who will you belong to? Another patron? Perhaps. Or perhaps you will be alone and in need of protection.” Felix tightens his grip on her wrist. “That’s what you’ve been after, isn’t it? To talk me into doing business with you, to use me but keep me at a distance. Even though you know my protection always has a price.”

Now, when it is too late, Amara understands the magnitude of her mistake. All that time she wasted as a slave fearing Felix’s indifference, when it was his desire that was far more dangerous. Only, this isn’t love, or even lust, which she might be able to manipulate. It’s owning her that Felix enjoys. Her eyes flick to the door. Impossible to fight him off and reach it. And in spite of her threat, the last thing she wants to do is draw Philos into a scuffle where Felix will almost certainly be armed. “What are you proposing?”

“When Rufus leaves, I have you. You’re free to make as much money as you like, however you like, as long as you make it for me.”

“You seem very confident I won’t find a better patron before that.”

“You might.” Felix shrugs. “And I might find a woman who will make me more money.”

“I’ll think about it,” Amara says, attempting to smile.