Read Online The Assassin and the Underworld by Sarah J. Maas - Free Book Online

features men tended to notice—and appreciate—most. “But my uncle is a merchant, and he speaks so highly of you that I …” She now looked at the courtesans as if suddenly noticing them, as if she were a good, decent girl realizing the company he kept and trying not to become too embarrassed.
    Doneval seemed to sense her discomfort and sat up, removing his hand from the thigh of the girl next to him. The courtesans all went a bit rigid, shooting daggers in her direction. She might have grinned at them had she not been so focused on her act.
    â€œGo on, my dear,” Doneval said, his eyes now fixed on hers. Really, it was too easy.
    She bit her lip, tucking her chin down—demure, shy, waiting to be plucked. “My uncle is sick tonight and couldn’t attend, but he was
so
looking forward to meeting you, and I thought I might make an introduction on his behalf, but I’m so terribly sorry to have interrupted you.” She made to turn, counting down the heartbeats until …
    â€œNo, no—I’d be pleased to make the acquaintance. What is your name, my dear girl?”
    She turned back, letting the light catch in her blue-gold eyes again. “Dianna Brackyn; my uncle is Erick Brackyn …” She glanced at the courtesans, giving her best alarmed-innocent-maiden look. “I—I truly don’t wish to interrupt you.” Doneval kept drinking her in. “Perhaps, if it would not be an inconvenience or an impertinence, we could call on you? Not tomorrow or the day after, since my uncle has some contract with the court in Fenharrow to work on, but the day after
that
? Three days from now, is what I mean.” She made a little coo of a laugh.
    â€œIt wouldn’t be an impertinence in the least,” Doneval crooned, leaning forward. Mentioning Fenharrow’s wealthy court had done the trick. “In fact, I much admire you for having the nerve to approach me. Not many men would, let alone young women.”
    She almost rolled her eyes, but she just fluttered her eyelashes ever so slightly. “Thank you, my lord. What time would be convenient for you?”
    â€œAh,” Doneval said. “Well, I have dinner plans that night.” Not a hint of nerves, or a flicker of anxiety in his eyes. “But I am free for breakfast, or lunch,” he added with a growing smile.
    She sighed dramatically. “Oh, no—I think I might have committed myself then, actually. What about tea that afternoon? You say you have dinner plans, but perhaps something before … ? Or maybe we’ll just see you at the theater that night.”
    He fell silent, and she wondered if he was growing suspicious. But she blinked, tucking her arms into her sides enough that her chest squeezed a bit more out of her neckline. It was a trick she’d used often enough to know it worked. “I would certainly like to have tea,” he said at last, “but I’ll also be at the theater after my dinner.”
    She gave him a bright smile. “Would you like to join us in our box? My uncle has two of his contacts from Fenharrow’s court joining us, but I just
know
he’d be honored to have you with us as well.”
    He cocked his head, and she could practically see the cold, calculating thoughts churning behind his eyes.
Come on
, she thought,
take the bait
… Contacts with a wealthy businessman and Fenharrow’s court should be enough.
    â€œI’d be delighted,” he said, giving her a smile that reeked of trained charm.
    â€œI’m sure you have a fine carriage to escort you to the theater, but we’d be doubly honored if you’d use ours. We could pick you up after your dinner, perhaps?”
    â€œI’m afraid my dinner is rather late—I’d hate to make you or your uncle tardy for the theater.”
    â€œOh, it wouldn’t be a problem. What time does your dinner begin—or end, I suppose is the better