“What if I need more?”
“You know where to find me.”
True enough. “How much?”
“Two grand. Non-negotiable.”
Fuck. No way could I go there, even if I wanted to. Two thousand dollars.
I couldn’t afford the Brownings and the Eagle. I’d only brought four thousand in cash, leaving me a grand short. The rest of the money I’d received from Disco as a monthly allowance had been tucked away in a safety deposit box. I wasn’t sure if I’d need it, but I wasn’t willing to piss it all away on sidearms.
“I’ll take the Eagle and the rounds.” I placed the gun on the mat and started to make my way to Cleaver’s to dig the money out of my shoe.
Bane frowned, and damn if it wasn’t a terrifying sight. “You don’t want the others?”
“I can’t afford it.” I glanced at the Brownings. They’d be nice to have, but the Eagle would put a hole in a vampire—or a demon’s—chest. I needed that kind of firepower. The amulet and Sucker only got me so far.
“How much do you got?” He studied me, starting at my head and taking his time, working his way to my toes.
I couldn’t bite back my temper or stop my smartass mouth this time. “If you’re asking if I’m willing to work off the remainder of the cost with a piece of my ass, piss off.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself, princess. Believe me when I say you’re not my type. Don’t make me ask again. How much do you got?”
It was dangerous confessing how much money I had on me, but since Marigold’s amulet was around my neck, I figured I would be able to defend myself and my cash if it came down to it.
“Four thousand.”
“A grand short.”
Well hello, Captain Obvious. “I’m aware of that,” I gritted through my teeth, “which is why I said I’d take the Eagle.”
He moved closer and gazed down at me. “A woman shouldn’t have to have a gun to take care of herself. You need a man to protect you.”
Arching my neck, I looked directly into his light blue irises. “That’s your problem right there. I don’t want a man.”
To my shock, his hard face softened. “Your soul has been carved out. I can see it in your eyes.”
Son of a bitch. I hated it when people could read me. And he did so with ease.
Looking away was my only defense. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do. When you want to talk, give me a call. I’ve been around a long time and have seen more than you might think.” He waited until I looked at him to add. “No strings. Just someone to talk to. I wasn’t kidding when I said you’re not my type. No bullshit.”
I hoped he didn’t hear me gulp as I swallowed down the enormous lump that had formed in my throat. I had enough enemies without making new friends I wasn’t certain I could trust. Bane had provided me with a gun I desperately needed, but I wasn’t willing to take our relationship any further. Not that he had a romantic interest in me, obviously. It was more like a weird curiosity.
“I’ll be back with the money.”
“Four grand for all of it.”
A warning prickle ran up the back of my neck. “The Eagle is more than enough.” I pivoted to walk away. “I’ll be back.”
“I said”—Bane wrapped his arm around my arm, fingers going taut—“four grand and we’re straight.”
Ripping my arm away might have gotten me free, but it also might have started a tussle I didn’t want to finish. Left with no other option, I glared up at the large, scarred man, noting how he blocked out the rays of the sun. He was built like a brick wall—all hard edges, sharp lines and rough terrain.
“I don’t owe favors to people. If I can’t pay you what you want, I’m not taking what you’re offering.”