"An Assassin's Education"

Excerpt:

“I have to talk to you!” Genevra dragged Willem out into the shadowed garden.

“Make it snappy, I’ve got a cozy little wench waiting for me at the Goat and Scepter.” He waggled his eyebrows and smirked.

But when it came to it, she didn’t know how to ask. Helplessly, she gestured at the new leathers.

“Very nice, Genevra. So?”

“Uh, Willem...do I look...all right?”

“Sure.”

“Better than all right?”

“Sure.” He took an impatient step. “Genevra, I have to go.”

“Willem!” She grabbed his arm.

“By the small gods, woman, what is it?”

She had to clear her throat before she could speak. “Am I...am I...pretty?”

“No,” he said at once and the shaft of pain was bitter as Dragon’s Gall.

Willem took her by the shoulders and stared into her eyes. He said slowly and with emphasis, “Genevra, pretty doesn’t do you justice. Magnificent would be closer.”

The hurt melted in a heady rush of pleasure. “Truly?” she whispered.

Willem patted her cheek. “Truly. Do you know what the lads call you?”

Bereft of speech, she shook her head. He said, “The Ice Goddess. They’re keeping a book on who thaws you out.”

Genevra goggled. “Who’s favorite?” she croaked.

Willem’s grin lit his dark face. “Me.” He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “But I’ve got my money on someone else. Don’t let me down.”

With a wicked chuckle, he disappeared into the twilight.

© 2006 Denise Rossetti

Back to Author's Page