Distraction and Observation (Manifesto)

[Nhysa]

She let him take the lead. A dress bright as blood was not difficult to keep in her peripheral, and there was nothing she would miss while Edwin Dean was busy dancing. She had the time to indulge, and she enjoyed watching Li work. Especially when he must divide his attention so – between vigilance of their surroundings, and the heat of their bodies.

Her gaze did not cast upwards when he mentioned the hawk, but she nodded in agreement. The man on the balcony might be anyone. Manifesto was favoured by the mega wealthy, and amongst the glitz and glamour it was a hotbed for big business and clandestine affairs in equal measure. This city was delightfully corrupt. As such he might be private security, he might be crime syndicate … or he might be something worse. She was not unduly concerned. Nhysa had never felt like prey in her life. But it went without saying that if the man turned out to be a threat toward Li she would protect what was hers. In general he was considered too high profile to draw the Atharim to him, despite the traitor’s mark of his defection and channeling gift. But if an opportunity presented itself, his enemies would take it. And they would die for it.

Nhysa threaded her fingers through his, and brought his knuckles to her lips to slow their dance. Then she pulled him after her. Despite her small stature, she never had much problem parting people like the sea from her path.

At the bar she placed her hand at the curve of the red woman’s waist as she squeezed past. A sideways glance acknowledged, but the club was busy, and the other woman only used the excuse to move closer to her companion and their conversation. Nhysa reached across to signal the barman, and ordered them drinks. Li's preferred wine for him, a vodka short for her.

She turned to pass him his drink. “Perhaps the hawk has the right idea. Let’s find a private perch.”