CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The man sat back on his haunches and scowled at her. For some reason, the presence of this man made it difficult for Lanaya to take a deep breath. Until Salvetti lost it, the only persons who had come near her proximity were Salvetti and Salviana, and sometimes Travis and Carter.

With the man's raised hand, Lanaya's eyes shut reflexively. She held her breath, praying against hope that he wouldn't take advantage of her confidence. She felt faint and weak since oblivion was so close at hand. She flinched as his fingers gently trailed down her head. Her eyes opened again, and she looked up into his.

Today's extended eye contact went a bit too far.

She took in a breath, despite the dampness in her mouth. He had no intention of harming her.

You undoubtedly are Lanaya. In a low voice, he said. "My name is Barrow."

She gave him the side eye and grimaced. Barrow? I seem to recall that Blondie–Claire called Sasha once when she struggled to move something big.

Do you happen to be Sasha's -?

Yes