She pulled away suddenly, her cheeks about on fucking fire, and turned to the slots, trying to focus on the bright lights, the noises, anything else. It was just a ruse, Ronnie sneered at herself. Don’t be some stupid girl star-struck over an exotic planar. Means to an end, business. It had just been a while, that’s all. That’s the only reason she could barely breath and felt like she’d crawl out of her skin to touch him again.

He nipped at her neck, and Ronnie almost jumped out of her skin. “Don’t look,” he murmured, leaning closer to her ear, “but I think the siren has finally spotted us.”

“Well, well, well,” came a new luscious voice, like music without notes. “I love when newcomers enjoy themselves so very much in my establishment.”

Earnest broke his gaze with Ronnie to turn toward Lirianna … but left his hands exactly where he had them … which was firmly on her ass. “Lirianna, you look as stunning as ever. It’s a shame I haven’t had recent occasion to stop by.”

Dressed in a blood red strapless dress that hugged her curves and was slit dangerously high up her leg, the siren drew all eyes in the room to her as she moved, sparkling as light refracted through the sequins of her dress. Her brunette hair sat piled on top of her head effortlessly, and her black stilettos accented her legs while adding several inches to her height — the woman was sex on legs, and she knew it.

Ronnie felt underdressed.

“Well, I’m glad you’ve had the opportunity now,” Lirianna purred. “Allow me to apologize for the indiscretion with the yeti earlier, mister…”

Ronnie was close enough to feel Earnest’s muscles tighten. She was still processing his last damn comment, and she was fucking pissed he’d been flirting with her. It was her own damn fault for falling for it, but it didn’t stop her anger. She didn’t need these fucking complications. They needed Eve, and they needed to get the hell out.

He eased her off his lap to stand. “Why, Lirianna, I think you hurt my feelings.” He took the siren’s hand and raised it to brush a kiss across her knuckles. Ronnie’s stomach clenched at the gesture. “Earnest Frenchie. And my date—”

Lirianna’s eyes sparkled. “Veronica Taylor. Earnest, my darling, you must forgive me — it’s been too long.”

Ronnie cut in, feeling irritated by the sudden intrusion. “I’m sorry, you know me how?”

Lirianna let out an amused-sounding hum as she turned, causing Ronnie to gaze into the siren’s eyes. They were almost hypnotic, and she could swear that the world shrank for an instant before a burst of fire through her soul forced their eyes apart. No doubt aware of the exchange, the siren laughed. “My dear, you think you’re not known throughout the community? Vent is a … singular being, one of very particular tastes.”

Ronnie tried not to gape — the woman wasn’t wrong.

The siren looked back at Earnest, dismissing Ronnie’s very existence. “I trust I won’t have to have blood scrubbed out?”

“Not to fear. This is a pleasure visit, Lirianna.”

“I’m not here to make a mess, Lirianna.” Ronnie shot a glance at Earnest. “Just on a date, that’s all.”

“In that case, I insist on apologizing for Wangchu’s behavior.” Lirianna waved a hand, and the display on the machine jumped by $15,000. Ronnie stifled a gasp.

“Why thank you, Lirianna, that’s too kind of you.” Earnest smiled warmly. “Indulge me a question?”

“That’s the Earnest I remember.” The siren’s eyes sparkled, and she placed a hand on his shoulder. “Of course, for old times’ sake.”

“Any leprechauns about? My lovely date here hasn’t had the pleasure.”

The siren’s laugh sounded like concentrated music. “Of course, there’s several. The front tables are opening soon. I’ll reserve you a seat next to the stage.” Lirianna’s grin turned wicked. “Your grace.”

As Lirianna walked away, casting a glance over her shoulder and seductively wiggling her perfect hips, Ronnie turned to Earnest and frowned, doing her best to hide her irritation. “What the fuck was that about?” 

Earnest looked down at her dress for a moment, then smiled as he hooked his finger under her chin and pulled her face closer. “Absolutely nothing,” he murmured, letting his eyes roam to her lips. “No need to be concerned... Veronica.” 

Ronnie glared at him, noticing the grey and purple shimmers dancing across his tie. Scowling, she put her hands on her hips. “Your grace? Feel like elaborating?” 

Ronnie watched him closely, hoping he’d slip up and turn those gorgeous eyes of his red- she wanted so desperately to call him on his shit. But, to her chagrin, Earnest just rolled his eyes. “She’s fucking with you,” he said calmly. “She’s trying to get a rise out of you, that’s all.”

She sniffed, smoothing her dress and turning away. Earnest just laughed, burying his face in her neck. “I think we’ve performed enough,” Ronnie mumbled. “So, what’s this show?” 

“Live entertainment,” Earnest replied, gesturing to the curtain in the back of the room. “Helps keep the clients in here- one stop shopping, if you will.” 

Ronnie frowned again. “Wouldn’t that be distracting?” Earnest shook his head. “Unlike you, we don’t run out of magic… sometimes, that’s useful. Particularly when you want to make a portal to the other realms.” 

Her face went slightly pale. “That’s… a portal.” He nodded. “Told you- this place was planars only for a reason… Veronica.”

Ronnie turned on him, focusing all her nerves, anger, embarrassment, and confusion into real world application. She spun and shoved herself right up in his space and grabbed his crotch in a vice-like grip.   

Cocking a sultry brow and smiling like this was just some woman giving her date a good fondle, Ronnie licked her lips as she whispered, “If you fucking call me that again, I will cut your balls of and stuff them down your throat. Remember, I have a reputation.” She let go and did what was likely an extremely shitty imitation of a curtsy, lowering her eyes to his feet as she added, “Your grace.”   

Her dressed flashed such a deep green, it startled her. Instantly catching on, Earnest caught her by the wrist and jerked her up. “Well played.” She couldn’t read his tone, but the green didn’t fade. “Let’s just get to our seats.”

“We have —”

“I think we’ve drawn enough attention for now, don’t you?”  

Unable to disagree, Ronnie let him tow her along — there was no point in fighting where they were going anyway, but she wasn’t sure if she won the round, or why the hell she was suddenly viewing this whole mess like some kind of contest.  

 “Why green?”   

Earnest didn’t look at her. “What?”

“My dress. It keeps flashing green, and now it’s staying that way. What does the color mean to a grekelhind?”  

Earnest about tripped, and Ronnie couldn’t help a laugh as he smoothed his shirt after, shot her a fiery glare as their clothing shifted rainbow. “Wow, must be bad if you almost fell on your face, given how graceful you normally are.”   

Earnest blinked, then shook his head as he guided her down the stairs toward the stage. 

It turned out the front row seats were in semi-private booths, each surrounded by a partition on three sides, the only view towards the stage. A pair of ridiculously plush extra-wide chairs — couches, really — flanked a small marble pillar serving as a table. Sticks of incense, candles, chilled champagne, and glasses sat on the table as the chairs gleamed, wrapped in a brocade with gold and silver thread, with at least a dozen decorative pillows between them.

Ronnie felt like she’d soil it just from sitting near it. She crossed her arms as they stepped inside. “More fancy shit won’t distract me.” She felt like she finally had him on the run instead of being fucking chased. “What does green mean, Earnest?”   

When he didn’t answer, she turned on him and realized she was very wrong.   

His eyes washed emerald, the tie and her dressing following suit. He seemed…larger suddenly, his glamor shimmering with delicate green and golden scales as he reached out, tracing a thumb across her bottom lip.   

She felt a strike at the contact, molten lava hissing a line through the center of her internal forest, everything in the wake evaporating instantly, the heat from his touch pooling between her legs an instant later.   

“Arousal,” Earnest said, his gaze hooded. “Not an emotion, not entirely. A physiological response as well, thus more difficult to mask. And almost impossible to fake.”

No-no-no-no-no-no-no. The word repeated in Ronnie’s head. She jerked back, hissing, “If you think I’m sleeping with you, think again, grek.” He was manipulating her. He had to be.

Earnest moved his hands to her shoulders, but she twisted out of reach. “I didn’t — won’t — lie to you, Ronnie.” He emphasized her name, and she felt that rush of heat again. “I told you, I may be a planar, but I’m also a man … and you are … an exquisite woman, Rainmaker.”