My eyes fall to the man at the front who I assume is the infamous Tahar. A sinister smile tugs at my lips as I take the man in. He has no clue how fucked up he is going to get. Images of Ana and I slitting his throat together send blood rushing straight to my dick and with stealth, I follow after them back into town.
∞∞∞
“Are you sure this is the best way?” Ana asks as she holds up the new dress, eyeing it cryptically. She’s been acting so strange the last few days, but with everything going on I guess it’s not unexpected. It does make me happy to see the familiar look of displeasure at feminine clothing.
“I don’t trust anyone else to be our eyes inside,” I reply as I tug my worn boots on. I feel her come up behind me, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“I like when you say ‘our’,” she says, kissing me softly on the cheek. A smile tugs at my own lips and I turn to kiss her back, pulling her into my lap.
“There’s another reason it needs to be you,” I tell her, looking into her eyes so she understands the seriousness, “You need to tell me what you see. Weaknesses in particular. Anything we can use tomorrow night when the time comes.”
She nods slowly. I know how good she is at this, and as much as I want to wrap her up tight and keep her hidden, time has shown that doesn’t work. So, fuck it. I have a badass fucking warrior woman and I’m fucking proud of it.
“That I can do.”
“And Ana?”
“Yeah?”
“Be fucking careful.”
∞∞∞
When The Watch finally passes over the last hill toward the town, I know my time is coming up. Emilio and Ana were to meet them on their entry or try at least. The two of them, as showy as they are, should attract plenty of attention and distraction for my purposes.
I do wish we had more time to get more men, but we’ll have to make do.
I hear Emilio’s booming voice over the hill and smile to myself.
Now. Time to go have a talk with the guards. And the prisoners.
Chapter Twenty
Ana
For the first time in a long while, I feel the unpleasant gaze of leering men. My skin feels like it’s crawling under the gauzy dress acquired by Sammi, and there’s little I wouldn’t give at this moment to have the comfort of my hoodie and wraps. Snakes twist in my belly in an unpleasant knot.
I’m grateful at least that Sammi is here too, though I’m sure she’s much more used to being on display like this than me. She seems comfortable and at ease, though I know she is also an excellent actress.
The two of us sit draped on either side of Emilio saying little as the old Italian fox charms Tahar. Keeping my eyes downcast, I make a point to watch all of his men mulling around the room, noting posture, weapons and anything else I can think of.
I feel unfocused and have to pull my attention back to the conversation at hand.
“And the man just turns to me and says, ‘Sir, your whore is in the pudding again’,” Emilio finishes.
Tahar laughs, loudly, and the sound is like nails on a chalkboard.
“Oh my,” Tahar says, still laughing. “You certainly have had some adventures on your way here, my friend.”
“That I have, that I have,” Emilio replies, “You know, I am in possession of some particularly nice wine from the Tuscany hills near my home. Let’s say we crack it open?”
Emilio stands and begins barking orders, leaving Sammi and I. Looking over at her, she gives me a small smile. I feel eyes on my again—or still— and turn my gaze to the opposite couch. Tahar’s dark brown eyes hold no shame as they watch me, and I feel my cheeks heat up. He looks so much like so many pieces of shit men I’ve known in my life, that even if I didn’t know of him already, I’m pretty sure I’d hate him anyway. The slicked back black hair and beard may appeal to some women, but fuck, I sure ain’t one.
“So, Penny was it?” he says to me with a snake-like smile, “You certainly are lovely. So much fairer than most of the women around here.”
“Thank you, my lord,” I reply, swallowing the term of respect.
“Most of the girls around here are like your friend,” he continues as he rises, nodding his head toward Sammi. “The Spaniard blood in their veins. But you, no, you’re from further away. Where do you come from, girl?”