Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 111898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 559(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 373(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 559(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 373(@300wpm)
He pursed his lips, the only soft thing about him, with a bottom plumper than the top. “I’m told you can return my wife to me.”
“You’re hitched? Bummer.” Not for her, of course. She didn’t care about dating, remember? “I know a ton of harpies who would’ve handed you the keys to their orgasm and let you take it for a spin.”
He double blinked. Like, every set of eyes double blinked. Then those tattooed, living irises stared at her, hard, and she kind of wanted to preen or shrink into herself. She wasn’t sure which.
Frowning, he spread his arms and announced, “I am Rathbone the Only, King of Agonies.”
Nailed it! The Realm of Agonies was one of ten kingdoms in the Underworld and a place of incredible wealth. And, yes, okay, probably tons of agonies, too. “Be honest. Did you or did you not pierce your junk because you lost a bet with Hades? Rumors have flown for ages, and I’ve got my money on maybe.”
He and his eyes gave another of those double blinks. “You sent a messenger to me, claiming to know where the rest of my wife is located. You said I can utilize your services for the right price.”
What did he mean, the rest of his wife? “Hmm. That does sound like me.” If only the memory would surface.
A muscle contracted in his jaw. “Is this your attempt to negotiate a higher fee?”
“Maybe? Gotta be honest. That sounds like me, too.”
“Very well.” He didn’t mask the threat in his expression as he stated, “I’m happy to present you with a deal you cannot refuse.”
Good thing she planned to say yes. Eventually. “I’m intrigued. Tell me more.”
“I’d rather show you.” He reached inside the cage and clasped her hand, surprisingly gentle as he aided her exit.
The scent of exotic spices and juniper berries instantly enveloped her. A rich, intoxicating aroma she savored. Oh, wow. It might come from him. Eager to confirm, she stepped closer, buried her nose in the hollow of his neck, and inhaled. Mmm. Definitely him.
Great! Now she kind of wanted to stick him on a shelf, shove a wick down his throat, and burn him candle-style.
She peered up at him. “You could be bottled and sold for millions.”
He offered no comment. Just flashed her to a new location. From the Phoenix lord’s dungeon to a throne room, where precious gems glittered on the walls in swirling, colorful patterns, white flames danced atop torches, and a gold-veined marble floor gleamed.
She gawked at the opulence. But, um, the chamber possessed no doors. Not a single escape hatch in sight.
Trepidation prickled her nape. A prison for someone like Neeka who couldn’t teleport.
“Help a girl out and tell me what I’m supposed to see,” she said, ready to vacate the place ASAP.
He released her and stalked to the royal dais, where two thrones loomed. Both were elaborate and gold, identical in every way but size. Well, size and the fact that a partial skeleton occupied the smaller chair. A strange symbol had been carved into each bone. Beyond creepy.
Honestly, the guy kept getting more interesting by the second.
Rathbone eased into the empty seat and placed his hand over the skeleton’s. An astonishing gesture of affection. His intense eyes—all of his eyes—zeroed in on Neeka. “Here is the deal I offer. You will find Lore’s clavicle, right ilium, metatarsal, left femur, and skull. In return, I’ll refrain from annihilating your loved ones while you watch.”
Her gaze returned to Skeletoria, several puzzle pieces clicking into place. Aaah. Okay. Neeka’s previous self must have picked up on the king’s intention, figured out where the remaining bones were located, and made arrangements to meet him, determined to cash in. Right?
If only she could remember...
“Nothing to say?” he prompted.
Plenty. “First, the joke’s on you, Red. I’ve always loved a good annihilation.” Smug, she fluffed her hair. “Second, why put your girl back together? She’s dead.” Just in case he needed the reminder.
“She is. For now.”
Ohhh. Planned to revive her, did he? “Guess that makes her a part-time mate, full-time problem, amirite?”
His lids narrowed. “I’m willing to pay you well,” he continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “Complete my tasks, and I’ll reward you with unparalleled treasure, provide you with a kingdom of your own to rule, or oversee the deaths of your greatest enemies. Whichever you prefer.”
Her heart leaped. No one adored padding a nest egg more than Neeka. In an uncertain world, security mattered. “Granted, I probably would’ve ended the relationship rather than court a carcass, but baby boy, did you pick the right day to bargain with me. I’m currently running a special. Buy any two of my services and pay full price for both! Which is all three of your suggested payments,” she explained with a grin. For such a bounty, she would find a way to remember what she ate for breakfast nine hundred moons ago, if necessary. “Also, you’ll agree to post the online review I write for you.”