She was silent for a moment, her gaze running over his face. “You’ve been hiding a part of yourself.”
“I’m not hiding, Madeline, but I don’t broadcast my abilities either. I’m a member of the House of Galen now and that gives me certain protection.” He cupped her cheek. “For you, I’m an open book. I’m certainly not hiding how I feel about you.”
“We’re a bad idea, Lore.” Her breath hitched. “I’m a mess. Inside, I’m just shattered pieces.”
He leaned closer, letting his breath wash over her cheek and her scent sink into his senses. “Then let me help you put those pieces back together.”
He touched his lips to hers. Just a gentle nip. Her lips parted, her hands sliding up to his shoulders—
“I wasn’t expecting to see anyone from the House of Galen here this evening.”
The smooth male voice made Lore lift his head, and he bit back a frustrated groan. Why did everyone interrupt him when he tried to kiss Madeline? The elegant man standing nearby with his hands in the pockets of his expensive black suit was watching them with an amused half-smile. The man’s black hair was tied back at the base of his neck.
“Rillian.”
The man inclined his head. “Lore, it’s a pleasure to see you.” The man’s black gaze flickered silver as it landed on Madeline. “And you must be Madeline Cochran.”
“I am,” she answered.
“Madeline, this is Rillian, owner of the Dark Nebula Casino, and a friend of the House of Galen.” He was careful to keep Madeline close to his side. Rillian was handsome, suave, and rich. He was also known for enjoying beautiful women.
“A pleasure, Madeline.” Rillian turned back to Lore. “Since I know Galen detests these fake boxing matches, and Vashto and Cerria, I’m very surprised to see you here.”
“I didn’t think this was your crowd, either,” Lore said.
Rillian lowered his voice. “I got wind that they might have news on the underground fight rings. Terrible business. I’d like to do anything I can to help shut it down.”
Lore relaxed, but only a little. Rillian was an ally, but Lore was smart enough to recognize deadliness, even when it was coated with a high gloss. “We’re here for the same thing. Galen invited Vashto and Cerria to an arena fight, and I ensured they issued me an invite tonight.”
Rillian raised a dark brow. “If they’re interested in you, they’ll be interested in getting you to fight.”
“Yes.” And lead them to Blaine.
“Our friend is stuck down there in the fight rings,” Madeline added. “He’s being forced to fight to the death. We have to find him before it’s too late.”
The casino owner nodded. “A few of the wealthy elite are talking. Vashto is making the rounds, one by one, and handing out tickets to a select few for an exclusive event.”
Madeline sucked in a breath. “A fight? When? Where?”
“I don’t know yet. He hasn’t talked to me, but apparently, he just finished talking to Sile.”
Lore grimaced. Sile was an ugly, crude reptilian who owned several casinos in the District. “I’ve heard all kinds of nasty rumors about the man…including that he likes to eat people.”
“Unfortunately, I’ve heard the same things.” Rillian glanced at Madeline and then back at Lore. “I know Sile has a thing for pretty, smooth-skinned women.”
Madeline straightened her shoulders. “If you get me an introduction, I’ll talk to him and find out what he knows.”
“No,” Lore said.
“You’ll be right here, watching me. If he tries anything, you have my permission to rescue me. I’ll be perfectly safe.” She lifted her chin. “Besides, this is my decision, not yours.”
“You promised to follow my orders.”
“No, you just demanded that I would.”
Rillian was watching them with a half-smile. “I’d be happy to give you an introduction.” He looked at Lore. “And I’ll help keep her safe.”
“Where is he?” Madeline demanded.
Rillian pointed discreetly to the left of the boxing ring. Lore easily spotted Sile sitting with a group of his goons. He had cracked reptilian skin, large eyes, heavy brow ridges, and an elongated jaw that accommodated his sharp teeth.
Madeline grimaced. “He looks like an upright crocodile. You shouldn’t use my real name. How about—”
“Maddy,” Lore suggested. “Close to your real name so you won’t slip up.”
Her nose wrinkled. “I hate Maddy, but fine, it’ll do.” She ran her hands down her sides. “Wish me luck.”