章 17: Distraction
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CHAPTER 17
For the next couple of minutes, Zale trailed Cairo to the best of his discretion, following each part and step he could take.
One thing he was not aware of was the skills of the young lad.
While everything seemed okay and he remained uncaught, little did he know the little lad had plans of his own.
Suddenly Cairo stopped and snapped his head to the side.
His cold gaze swept around him briefly, checking if anyone was behind him before returning his attention to the road ahead.
Zale squinted further, trying to peer at the look on the young boy's face but failed.
'Hmm. Now you prove all of her suspicions right.' He noted in his thoughts and as soon as Cairo made the next step, Zale was the first person on his trail.
On the other hand, Cairo who had been in this business with the bone man for a few years now had incorporated into his skills the ability to sense when he was being followed.
Although he always had a knack for that, growing up and working with the bone man, he honed it properly.
The second he stepped out of the shop, he felt eyes on him and had his suspicions.
Turning around a few minutes ago, only helped him pinpoint exactly where the person was.
His lips curved upwards into a daunting smile as he took a sharp bend and continued.
He may not have a say with the bone man, but out here on the streets and in this game, that was his specialty.
"Tsk, stupid man. I know this village better than you or anyone else does. Losing you will be a cup of tea," he muttered to himself and immediately picked up the pace and changed directions.
At first, Zale followed after him, till he saw him running and chased in turn.
He was fast, but the boy was cunny. Before long, Zale stood at a crossroads, confused about which direction he should take, with no one in sight.
"Damn it!" He grunted, gritting his teeth at the situation.
He had underestimated the boy and lost.
After searching through each road, Zale was determined to wait at this end for the boy's return before going to search by himself.
'Stupid boy. We will see if you will return to your master's or not. Either way, I shall get my hands on your trader.' He noted inwardly and retraced his step back to the crossroad.
Just as he left the small stall, he had checked he felt a pair of slender hands drag him from the road and back into hiding at a corner.
As swiftly as he could, Zale switched their position, held her hands and pinned them above her head as he pressed her body against the wall.
Due to how dark it had gotten outside; he did not get a clear picture of her face at first glance.
To make matters worse, she wore a cloak and hid her face with the hood. It was not until he sniffed and took a second glance at her that he knew who she was.
"You." Zale's eyes narrowed further at her as he waited for her explanation. "What… No, why are you here?"
A smile of joy and satisfaction lit up her eager face as she uttered her words carefully. "To thank you."
Even with her words, he was not moved by what she said considering she was a worker in the innkeeper's shop.
He arched his brows at her, hoping for a better answer and when he saw her wince, his eyes darted to what might have caused her the pain.
"Can you let me go, please? I promise, I am not running away," she promised.
Of course, she was not running away. She had run to him instead.
Reluctantly, he pulled back, granting her enough space to breathe as he released her wrist slowly.
"Let's try this again. Why are you here? I thought you were working at the inn."
"I am and I did. My shift is over. However, just like you said, the innkeeper wished to hand me over to one of the men there to serve for the night."
"Okay."
In as much as he gave her listening ears, Zale was least interested in her story.
Instead, he wondered why she was there at that particular point in time when he searched for the young boy.
Sensing his distraction, she thought to try better and do so in a way that she would not be disbelieved.
"I left in anger. I did not wish to offer my services to those I do not like," she boldly stated. "And I happened to see you just now on my way home and rushed after you."
Rather than buying her story, he brushed it off as he was least interested in what she did with her body or her private affairs.
"Go home," he ordered in a calm tone and turned away.
All the while his eyes darted to and fro, keeping vigilance on what he was after.
Her eyes flew open at his dismissal and quickly she held onto his right arm, pressing her chest on him.
"Do not be mean. I could be of some use to you."
His eyes turned cold the second he heard her sprue those words from her mouth. Slowly, he brought his gaze back to her, ensuring she saw how displeased he was at being touched.
"Let go, now."
The aura seeping out of his person sent chills running down her spine. Without needing another reminder, she let her hands slide off his and lowered her head.
"The only thing you are of use to me as now is a distraction. I do not want your services, I repeat. Do not follow me, again."
Having given her his warning, Zale took two steps forward and stopped when his ears picked out a sound far away.
At first, her heart sank with the words he uttered. She did not know how to say this but she had fallen for his charms since she first laid eyes on him.
But when she saw how his eyes darted around, her lips curved to the side, revealing a daunting smile as she once more lifted her head.
With determination etched deep in her eyes, she closed the gap between them and gave him an offer.
"What do you seek, stranger?"
Instantly, Zale's brows furrowed but he refrained from looking at her.
"I said, I can be of help to you and I still can, not by being a distraction though but even working at the inn, I know things most do not."
He stood still, sieving out her words to find the lie and truth inside.
Thinking she was getting through to him, she placed one foot in front and walked to his side, hoping to show him her beauty once more.
"We can start this way," she initiated, earning his attention. "My name's Claire. How may I be of help to you?"
"Thank you. I do not need it. Go home and stay away."
With that he made to leave when she reached for his hand once more, attempting to hold him back.
Unlike before when he was much calmer in his actions, this time around, his eyes darkened, as a dark glint flashed in them, emitting so much murderous intent.
Claire swallowed hard, holding her breath as her heart jumped straight into her throat.
She had seen men with different gazes before, even the cold ones but his… He was different.
One look and she felt as though the dreads of hell had descended on her. She could feel and sense his hatred in ways she never had from anyone.
"The next time you try that, I will not be nice. I will not spare you. Stay… away."
Having made sure she would not follow him, Zale dashed off from that place, returning to the road he had sensed the sound from.
Her eyes glistened with tears at having been told off in such a manner.
And instead of giving up, she became more determined to know who he was and what made him different from most men who wanted her.
At first, he wished to listen to her but the second he made mention of her being a distraction, that was when it clicked in his mind.
He would rather take his chances than let her distract him.
'The pearl first, then mother's revenge can follow. I won't spare all those involved.' Zale reminded himself as his gaze swept around again in search of Cairo.
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