"Anne Logston - Shadow 02 - Shadow Hunt" - читать интересную книгу автора (Logston Anne)

"No. It was quick, at least." Her eyes were cold. "You stall, Merchant
Tomor. I have come for my payment."

Tomor shivered, his hand clenching around the small, black mark in his
palm.

"I've paid your hellish price already."

Her head tilted slightly.

"Need I remind you of the rest of our bargain, Merchant Tomor? I was
promised ten thousand Suns in gems when the task was completed."

"You've already been paid more than enough for such a task," Tomor
shuddered.

Amusement tinged her voice.

"How typical of you, Merchant Tomor, that you would not balk at
giving a part of your life, but a part of your purse is held so dear."

Tomor visibly mustered his courage.

"You have no proof of our agreement, no contract."

"What use is a contract to me?" Her voice was still smooth, but a hint
of steel had entered into it. "I am no paid knife of the Aconite Circle.
Contracts are for those bargains to be enforced by others, not for bargains
whispered in dark rooms. Those bargains I must enforce myself, as I have
done, as I will do. Will you pay? Take care, Merchant Tomor. You are less
safe than you think. Will you pay?"

Tomor's eyes narrowed.

"You dare threaten me in my own house?" he sneered. "You can't touch
me. One word and my guards will be upon you. Eyes watch us even now.
You can't threaten me out of my moneyтАФ"

Even before the last word left his lips, she was at his side, knife at his
throat. He trembled. He had not seen her move.

Her voice was cold, caressing.

"No, Merchant Tomor, nor will you threaten me out of mine. There
were eyes upon you, and guards at your door, but now they sleep past all
waking." She briefly glanced at the steel blade of the knife at his throat.

"No. This time, by my own choice."