Page 80 of Empress of Ruin
“It’s a work thing. Well, a Killian thing. I can’t really talk about it, but… I need to speak to him.”
“Oh. Um.” I hear Anna swallow. “Alright, but… he’s in a bad mood.”
“Can you just send me his number? I’ll deal.”
“Easier to just give you the phone,” she replies—hold on a fucking second. Is she living with him full-time?
Before I can ask, I hear a rustle, a murmur in the background, and then Carter’s dry voice comes down the line. “Lyra Stewart,” he drawls. Quieter, he mutters, “you can go.” I assume it’s to Annalise, and the casual dismissiveness rankles me.
I force myself to focus. “Carter Black.”
“Must admit, I wasn’t anticipating a call from you. I enjoy being surprised.” He misses a beat. “Shall we talk about the weather, or do you want to let me know why you’ve decided to waste my time?”
Utter. Fucking. Asshole.
“I understand you’re interested in joining The Eyes,” I say.
“So Killian’s read you in,” he says. “Incorrectly, but nevertheless. It’s not that I’m interested in joining them, sweet Lyra; it’s that they’re more desperate to have me than a hooker looking for her next hit.”
“Okay.”Jesus.How does anyone stand him? How the hell isAnnaof all people caught up with him? “But… you’re considering joining, right?”
“If they weed out the bullshit going on in their ranks and vow to leave me to my personal shit, sure,” Carter says. “What they’re putting Killian through isn’t a good look. If they tried pulling that shit with me, they’d all be dead by morning.”
A nice reminder of exactly who I’m dealing with here. “I understand that certain…dealingsof yours make you very good at finding information.”
“Correct.”
“And that you were the one who actually ended up findingmefor Killian.” I got that little gem of information a couple of days ago. Were it weeks ago, I’d probably be furious and swearing revenge, but now… I’m notgratefulexactly, but I’m also notnotgrateful.
“Also correct. Fuck, how pussy whipped do you have him?” Carter chuckles. “Never mind; stupid question. Answer’s obvious.”
“Are you aware there was an assassination attempt on a few weeks ago?” I ask.
“Of course. I’m aware of everything notable that happens in my city.”
“And you’re an ally of Killian’s, right?’ I hedge. “Some might say acloseally.”
“Whatever it is you want, fucking spit it out already. If Iweren’tallies with Killian, I’d be charging you for this conversation.”
“I want you to help me find out who sent the assassin after him. Silas, one of Silas’s underlings—whoever it is.”
There’s a thoughtful pause as Carter considers. I wait with bated breath. This could be Killian’s best shot to get out of the tribunal alive.
“Big ask,” he drawls. “What are you going to give me in return?”
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? I don’t know what I could have that Carter can’t get himself. Being in his debt would be anextremelydangerous, reckless move, but… if it keeps Killian alive, I don’t have another choice.
“I can pay you.” With Killian’s money, but still.
He gives a low, sardonic,mockingchuckle. “Please. Money’s worthless to me.”
“Then what do you want?”
“Soglad you asked. As it happens, you’re the one person who might be able to help me with one of my endeavors regarding your friend. I need you to help convince her to marry me.”
I choke on my next breath.Literally. I fall into an embarrassing coughing fit, tears streaming down my cheeks, eyes bulging. I’m so loud that one of the guards knocks on my door and peeks his head in; I wave him away.
“What?” I finally manage to say when I’ve regained my composure.
