The City's Dark Jewel

[Oriena]

He could sit where he liked, if he lowered himself to freeing his own seat. It was not like he had to follow her about like a little lamb, cute as it was. Denigration of her methods was met with indifference. Had she been seeking to impress the complaint might have tugged annoyance to her lips, but Ryker's opinion was inconsequential. Not that she didn't file the scowl away, and the snapped orders. A tumultuous gaze watched silent as servers hastened to his call. Amusement faint.

She laughed at the subtext of his repartee. Did he imagine she would blush? Ori would wind such a pretty little ribbon around her finger until it snapped. If she didn't grow bored before then, and she usually did. "Truthfully I'm not sure I have much use for a dirty cop right now. Pretty as he is." Those sorts of political manoeuvrings never much interested her; not power for power's sake. Not that she refrained from interfering when it suited her, either, but life's recent little twist tugged her attention elsewhere. Such fickle allegiances meant little in comparison, or would do.

"Are you sure he's even yours to give away? I know someone else with a taste for his sort." The accusation was bald. She'd seen Ryker sitting cosy in Yun's pocket. But the sly smile was only a jab meant to irritate.

To the question she shrugged a bare shoulder. "This one, actually. I can't resist a set of puppy-dog eyes. Let's call it a weakness."