Aphrodite's Flame by Julie Kenner Page A

turn that argument right back around in his face and point out that Hieronymous was trying to reform, too. He didn’t know much about Isole Frost, but he knew she was quick.
    He liked that in a woman, though at the moment he didn’t particularly like
her
. So much for first impressions filled with lust and longing. That was the trouble with relationships—the bloom wore off the rose far too quickly.
    He tried a different tack. “You’re right. My job does put me in the public eye a lot. But it’s the behind-the-scenes stuff that matters here. I know a traitor when I see one.”
    “Do you? Or are you just predisposed to find the bad in everyone?”
    She tossed the words out, merely another volley in their ongoing argument. Mordi didn’t think she even realized she’d scored. But she had, and he fought to keep his emotions and his face in check, to not let her see what was in his head.
    Because she was right. He
was
predisposed to find the bad in everyone, himself most of all. He knew how hard he’d fought before finally and firmly entrenching himself on the good side of the line in the sand. And he really couldn’t believe that Hieronymous was strong enough to win that battle. Or more important, that Hieronymous had any desire to.
    He shook his head. “You know what? Let’s just drop this. I’m here. I’m helping you. That’s the end of it.”
    He expected another argument, but instead she just pushed a button on her desk. After a second, a voice sounded through the intercom. “Yes, Ms. Frost?”
    “Cancel my appointments for today.”
    “Certainly, ma’am.”
    She clicked off and faced Mordi. “I’m leaving. It’s been a hell of a day.”
    “I’ll go with you. We should talk.”
    “We probably should,” she agreed. “But we’re not doing it now, and you’re not coming with me.” She moved around her desk, gathering her things, ending finally by snapping a leather portfolio closed and tucking it under her arm.
    “I’m not going to go to Zephron about you,” she said, “although I’m sorely tempted. You’re right. He must have had a reason for assigning you, so I suppose you’ll be of value at some point.”
    “Gee, thanks.”
    “But this is
my
job and
my
case. You’re here to assist me. Got that? Because if you don’t, I
will
talk to Zephron, and we’ll let him sort out what everybody’s roles here are.”
    “No problem,” Mordi said. “Sounds great.”
    She frowned, and he was certain it didn’t sound great to her. Not by a long shot. But considering Zephron had made the assignments, she really didn’t have a choice.
    Mordi stayed silent, not willing to press his luck. He was pretty sure Zephron wouldn’t take him off this case, but he wasn’t absolutely positive.
    His father was up to something. Something bad.
    And whether she knew it or not, Isole Frost was wrapped up in it.
    Until Mordi could figure out what his father had planned—and put a stop to it—he wasn’t about to risk getting booted off this case.
    On the contrary, he intended to stay very, very close. And if that meant keeping Isole Frost happy, well, that was a mission he was more than willing to accomplish.

Chapter Ten

    “He’s applied for
what
?” Jason bobbed in the water, only his head breaking the rippling surface.
    Above him, Mordi frowned, leaning over the houseboat’s railing and staring down at his half brother. “Re-assimilation,” Mordi said. “You know. He wants to rejoin the Council. Be a good guy. All that jazz.”
    Jason snorted. “And you believe him?”
    “No, I don’t believe him! But it’s not up to me. This girl—” He cut himself off, waving a hand at Jason, who was silently treading water. “Will you get up here? How am I supposed to talk to you if you’re bobbing around like a buoy?”
    “You look like you’re talking just fine,” Jason said. But then he held up a finger. “Give me one second. Davy dropped one of his gizmos off the boat, and I told him I’d find