Chapter 83: If Hearts Could See

Charlisse sauntered to the center of the tavern, flanked by Sloane and Rusty. From there, she hoped to get a better view, and by God's grace, find Merrick quickly and depart from this vile place. Beady eyes glared at her from the darkness, following her every move. Most of the men soon returned to their drink or their women, save a few who continued to challenge the intruders with piercing gazes.

The rancid stench of vomit and rotting food assailed Charlisse, and she unconsciously threw a hand to her nose, then dropped it immediately. A filthy man stumbled in front of her, his drink sloshing over his mug. He bumped into Charlisse, belched, and fell to the floor, spilling his ale over her breeches. Resisting the temptation to assist him, Charlisse kicked him instead and shoved him aside with her boot.

Solomon pointed at the man and chattered in glee.

Sloane grunted. "Mebbe we should get a drink," he whispered to Charlisse. "It'll be what they're expectin'."