She walks into the club, head high, back straight, attracting the eye of all the occupants with a smile. She scans the faces in the crowd, eyes lighting on her quarry. She struts towards him, sliding gracefully into the bar stool next to him. “Can I buy you a drink?”
“Would it be a gift freely given or would I be in your debt?” He turns pale eyes on her.
Ah, this one knew of the ways of the fae. “Depends. I heard you were looking for me. Why? I do hope you weren’t spying on me…” She signals the bartender, ordering a bottle of champagne and two glasses.
“No, of course not. I’m not… I know better than to invade your privacy.” He twists his fingers together, looking at them while he composes his next sentence carefully. “I am looking for someone dear to me and I was told you were the last to see them. I was hoping you might be able to tell me where so I can find them.”
“I see many people. You’re going to have to be more specific,” she laughs, sliding a glass towards him as she sips her own.
“It’s my sister. Here.” He slides a well-worn picture of a young woman towards her along the bar top.
She contemplates it for a moment, letting the image filter through her memories. “She’s lovely, but not my type. I haven’t seen her.” She slides the picture back.
“Are you sure?” he sounds desperate.
“Are you calling me a liar?” she raises a brow, her gaze turning cold.
“No! No! I’m not…” a panicked look flits across his features as he sputters. He pauses, taking a calming breath. “I am most assuredly not calling you a liar Madame. I apologize for my words.”
Her mood flips from angry back to pleasant instantly as she smirks at him, the smile not quite reaching her eyes. “Apology accepted.” She sips her drink as she watches him over the rim of her glass. “You would be wise to choose your words more carefully. Not everyone is as forgiving as I am. Some I know would have squashed you like an insect beneath their heel for the mere suggestion of your calling them a liar. Or worse…” she lets the threat hang in the air.
He swallows hard. “You are most benevolent milady, to spend your time instructing one so unworthy such as my humble self.” He bows, tucking the picture back into his breast pocket with care. “I will waste your time no further.” He stands to leave.
She smiles softly. “So quick to give up,” she tuts, wagging her finger at him. “Just because I haven’t seen her doesn’t mean I won’t help you… for a price.”
“Anything!” He turns desperate eyes on her. “I will give you anything I have to get my sister back.”
She laughs, a deep, throaty, rich tone. “Oh, you are going to be so much fun…”
Misha B 