Hard Number - Chapter Three

Attractive Complications

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The human had distracted Clinton for a moment longer than he’d intended, much to his chagrin. He knew Chaz and the mage they’d been bartering with were both waiting. The human’s eyes had sparkled, though, and a faint blush had risen to his cheeks. If Clinton hadn’t already been in the middle of something, he would’ve given chase to the obvious interest.

“See something you like?” the mage asked, and finally Clinton looked back at him. He arched a brow, waiting for an answer and frowning when Clinton failed to provide one. The attitude of a simple mortal spellcaster made Clinton unwilling to provide whatever he had expected.

As a matter of fact, I did, Clinton thought, shoving his hands in his pockets. And you’re not as pretty as the other guy was.

“Anyway,” the mage said, looking back at Chaz. “My friend will be back tomorrow. He’ll give you more than any of the human markets will for those gems. They’re well-cut and would make a fine addition to either a focus or a wand.”

“Rich people and their money to squander, I guess,” Chaz said. The glance he gave Clinton read of scolding, though mild at that. “Only tomorrow, though? I have a shipment coming into the bar tomorrow night and I have to receive it.”

“Can’t you–” The mage waggled his fingers. “–charm the help to take care of that for you?”

“Not what I’m shipping in.” Chaz sighed. He turned the ring box around in his hand like he wanted to open it, visibly weighing the consequence of bypassing this opportunity. “How much more, though?”

“I can handle it,” Clinton said, interjecting. He tilted his head, trying to size the mage up first before looking back at Chaz. “I know you’re thinking that fencing it might just be easier, but I’m not busy.”

“Can you do that without getting distracted?”