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should have presumed she was here to explain his next assignment. “Did someone burn your dinner? You’re in a shitty mood.”
    “The only reason I didn’t incinerate your shuttle was because you weren’t in it. Now stream back where you belong and stop harassing me.”
    He started for the adjoining bedroom, so she quickly blocked his path. “I know a juicy secret and I’m willing to share. Under the right conditions.”
    “Apparently, Javin’s network of spies failed him this time. I’m not only back in Quinton’s good graces. He’s sending me reinforcements.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed, hard. “Your threats are meaningless now. Don’t waste your breath.”
    “Javin Aidentar is not the Benefactor, but my information directly concerns him.” As head of the Integration Guild, Javin Aidentar was the most powerful man on Rodymia. Or he had been until his death. The fact that he had passed beyond was the secret to which she’d referred. No one outside the guild knew he was dead. In fact, she wasn’t even sure if the guild members realized their leader, the driving force behind their success, was no more. Everyone presumed the Integration Guild was still being led by a shrewdly intelligent, and ruthlessly ambitious, man. Reality was much more interesting.
    Akim’s hands remained on her shoulders, but he stopped squeezing as his gaze searched hers. “You want to offer me secrets. Fine. Start at the beginning. How in hells rings do you keep finding my ship. The covert shields are supposed to make the Relentless undetectable.”
    “Working for the Integration Guild has its perks. They don’t approve technologies they can’t control.”
    His gaze narrowed and his voice turned into an impatient growl. “Meaning?”
    “The Benefactor gave me a device that allows my sensors to detect your undetectable ship.”
    “If Javin isn’t the Benefactor, who is?”
    She tilted her head and smiled. “My situation went a little sideways. I need somewhere to hideout for a while.” Once she explained everything that had happened, he’d realize she needed a lot more than a place to hide. But it was always best to ease into this sort of thing. “Guarantee me safe passage and we’ll talk.”
    With a cruel smile, he shoved her backward. “This isn’t a passenger ship. No one rides for free.”
    “I’m not asking for a free ride. I’ll pay for my passage with information. I really do know some things you’ll find valuable.”
    He crossed his arms over his chest, looking more like the ruthless inquisitor she remembered from her years in training than the tired old man she’d been interacting with lately. “I’ll decide the value of your information,” he told her. “And my patience is nearly gone, so speak quickly.”
    “Like you, I presumed Javin was the Benefactor until my last mission. I was asked to deliver a personal message for the Benefactor and she signed her name.”
    “She? Don’t tell me Pyre Sterling is the Benefactor.” He shook his head, clearly disgusted with the possibility.
    Milanni had been about to tell him the truth, but this was just as believable and she would still be protected by what she hadn’t told him. “It can’t be that surprising.” She was careful not to actually confirm his misconception. She just didn’t correct it either. “Pyre has always had her eye on the throne.”
    “So Pyre was protecting me from herself.” He made an animalistic noise she couldn’t quite define. “One of these days I’m going to take care of that bitch.”
    “I feel the same. That’s why I broke all ties with the Benefactor. I have no desire to work for Pyre Sterling.”
    His brows arched then he scoffed. “Meaning your ‘sideways’ situation had nothing to do with the explosion in Jamestown, Colorado?”
    He knew. Of course he knew. The Relentless was doubtlessly scanning Earth’s broadcasts and internet traffic for unusual happenings. “He attacked me. I had