Free Risk (A Mageri World Novel) by Dannika Dark

turn into a smile.
    Attagirl , he thought privately to himself.

    W hile he was parking outside the Red Door, a message came up on his phone. Justus was running late and couldn’t find someone he trusted to watch Rose. Since the lot of them lived in the same building, babysitting worked out exceptionally well. Except for the last time when he’d left her in Levi’s care and she’d gotten her hands on a box of permanent markers. He had a conniption when he came home and Rose’s fingers were the same color as his black leather sofa.
    With a curt nod, the doorman granted them access. Simon gripped Ella’s wrist and kept her close, feeling pulses of anxiety and excitement in her energy. His gift didn’t come with a name that Thermals or Charmers had, but in his mind, he referred to himself as a Feeler. Naturally, Simon got a kick out of the word since he was a touchy-feely kind of chap to begin with. Ella’s energy spiked when they passed a Vampire, and he guessed by her sensory overload that she hadn’t been out in a long time. Several pairs of eyes followed them as they moved through the main room.
    As far as Breed clubs went, the Red Door was upscale. At night, humans lined up outside, hoping the doorman would wave them in. The only ones who ever got inside were Breed. The square tables in the main room were pretty simple, but the farther back you went, the more luxurious the seating. Most clubs like this one had soundproof rooms in the back for private parties.
    Simon headed toward the booths near the back surrounded by tall glass panels. The wooden tables danced with light from candles encased in crackled red glass. He strode toward a booth and scooted into the red seat. The benefit of the raised panels was that they not only blocked out some of the noise, but customers could have a private conversation without whispering. Nothing was more obnoxious than nosy wankers who liked eavesdropping on people sitting directly behind them.
    A familiar brunette waitress sauntered toward their table.
    Davina winked. “Well, hey there, Simon. It’s not your usual time. What can I get for you two?”
    “The usual,” he said, noticing her red bra peeking through the opening of her blouse.
    “Gin and tonic it is. And for you?” The waitress reluctantly looked at Simon’s companion.
    Ella quickly held up two fingers to signal she would have what Simon was having—a smart move to avoid speaking. But what peeved Simon was that Ella had no idea what kind of drink she was ordering since she couldn’t follow the conversation. She’d become quite clever at concealing her secret, but it came with a price.
    “Why don’t you get something fruity this time,” he said, taking her hand and lifting it to his mouth where he placed a petal-soft kiss to her knuckles.
    He entered her mind. That was a creative move, but I’m changing your order. What’ll you have?
    Lemonade , she replied.
    Just lemonade? he asked in an irritated tone. Live a little.
    Are you going to order for me or can I order for myself? Just because you can speak doesn’t mean you can speak for me.
    My, isn’t the Learner feeling rebellious all of a sudden , he replied.
    Simon let go of Ella’s hand and smiled at Davina. “Why don’t you bring her something cool and refreshing like lemonade. I’m afraid I worked her a little hard last evening and she needs to replenish all her lost fluids.” He waggled his brows and the waitress spun around, but not before he caught the spike of jealousy in her energy.
    Ella snatched his hand. What did you say to her? As much as I can see you’re enjoying this, don’t make a fool out of me .
    Simon had a comeback, but something made him retract his hand and look away. It was empathy. She’d lived in solitude for the past few years—severed from all contact by a Creator who rejected her. She must have wandered the halls of that mansion like a ghost, seen but never heard.
    Chains aren’t the only shackles that bind a