The Gadget: The Rondon Chronicles Book One by V. Timlin (speed reading book .TXT) 📕

friendly expression. The hair on the back of Anouk’s neck stood up—she didn’t like the woman. What was so special about her eyes? Did Madam Valeria see through her? Did she recognise Anouk wasn’t an Anglean or even from the planet?

Madam Valeria spun on her heels with a sigh and, with an air of arrogance about her, left the room.

Chapter 8

As soon as they were outside Madam Valeria’s establishment, Anouk grabbed Nat’s arm to stop him in his stride. “What the fuck was that all about?”

Nat glanced at her, his brows crinkling. “You have a foul mouth for an educated woman, did you know that?”

Anouk snarled. “Don’t try to change the topic. I don’t trust that woman, and I’m sure she is up to something.”

“I’m sorry about what happened back there. Madam Valeria, however, is one of my most important informants. I can’t afford to offend her.”

“You could have said something when she offered me a position in her whorehouse.”

“I figured you could handle it.”

“Yes, but I would have appreciated if you had stepped in before she asked me to reconsider her offer,” Anouk muttered, then crossed her arms over her chest.

Nat shifted his weight and fiddled with the Gadget on his glove. “Look, we’re not playing a gentle game here, Anouk. People are going to test you, they’re going to fight you, bait you, and tempt you. And if I jump to your rescue every time things get a little tense, you’re going to look weak. And you don’t want to know what happens to weak people out here.”

Anouk stiffened and dropped her hands to her side. Although Nat had given her a similar warning just hours earlier, hearing it again still hurt and worried her. “I’d hate to see your overprotective streak for me extending only to random people and not your connections.”

“That man in the gambling room crossed the line.” There was an angry edge to Nat’s voice.

“I don’t disagree with you.” Anouk forced her tone to stay at a conversational level, “But A, I had no trouble subduing him and thus didn’t need your help, and B, your reaction was out of proportion, you nearly choked him. And C, it was Mr Sunshine’s job to intervene, not yours.”

It was Nat’s turn to stiffen. “My apologies. Maybe I overreacted there.”

“Thank you, and apology accepted but you have to trust me.”

“I do, I do,” Nat said, rubbing his neck. “But I expect the same in return. Remember, this isn’t your world and, most likely, things here are very different from yours. There are rules I have to follow.”

Anouk nodded. Yes, this was not her world and rules were different. As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. She had been in Rondon only a day, and she could tell as much already.

She shot a sour look at Madam Valeria’s brothel. The streetlights illuminated its grey walls, giving it a menacing air against the dark sky. “Do you think she saw through me and guessed I’m not from this planet?”

A smile tugged the corner of Nat’s mouth. “No, I don’t think she thought that at all Anouk. That’s not the kind of thing that jumps to people’s minds.” He swivelled his head towards the house of adult entertainment before meeting Anouk’s eyes again. “Madam Valeria is always looking for new girls. You shouldn’t read anything into it. Your eye colour is unique, but in a non-alien way, I assure you. The madam simply recognises quality.”

Anouk scowled at Nat. “I should be flattered? Is that what you’re saying?”

Nat’s eyes widened. “No,” he blurted, then cleared his throat. “No, of course, not. She has made similar offers to other girls. I know she’s interested in expanding her business and getting the best…” Nat paused, his cheeks flushing. He spun on his heels. “Uhm, we should get going.”

Anouk blinked. Did he just say she was the best and then blushed? What was that supposed to mean? Was he… mocking her? Or was that a Freudian slip?

The way the madam had looked at her still made her skin crawl. Perhaps Nat hadn’t seen it. After all, Madam Valeria had been standing sideways to Nat whilst facing Anouk. On the other hand, Nat had emphasised how important the madam and her connections were to him, so he might choose to turn a blind eye. An icy grip tightened in Anouk’s chest—she couldn’t trust Nat, at least not near Madam Valeria.

“Great work. I mean, what you did to that man.” Nat’s comments made Anouk jump. “Did I scare you?”

“Sorry, I was miles away.” She forced a smile on her face. “Thanks. I’ve practised Japanese martial arts for years.”

“Good to know you can handle yourself in a tight spot.”

Nat’s expression was sincere; no teasing or smugness about it. Anouk blushed. “Thanks.”

“It’s been a long day and you must be tired, so let’s get to my camp.”

She cracked a yawn. “Good idea. I could use some rest. It’s been a pretty, umm, unusual day.”

That was an understatement. A couple years ago in India, she had had one of those bizarre days. She got bitten and robbed by a monkey and then saw an elephant wearing a shirt and trousers. Little did she know then how weird her days would get.

They walked along the winding shadowy streets, Nat leading the way—for a small eternity, Anouk’s aching body told her. Nat took yet another turn to a narrow street that resembled the last, and the last before that.

“Could we take a taxi or something?” Anouk cracked her umpteenth yawn. “I don’t think I can keep upright for much longer.”

“I’ve been looking for a vacant carriage, but haven’t spotted one yet. Evenings are usually busy.”

“I…” Anouk started to say, but Nat waved to something behind her.

“I believe our luck has just turned.”

Anouk glanced over her shoulder. A horse-driven carriage was heading down their way. Thank goodness, a taxi, and not a moment too soon.

The driver pulled the reins of his horse when he reached them and