He was grateful that she seemed to be taking all of this with as little trust as he. He hadn't expected her to feel relaxed in the place. However, after seeing her fight, he also knew that if something did happen, they had a decent chance of getting out of it intact. He didn't intend to linger any longer than it took to get sorted out.
For all that he couldn't control his blush, he had full control of his demeanor. He took the offered pants from the girl with a hard enough look that she was the one to look away first, this time without any suggestive glances downward. There were only so many indignities he'd willingly suffer in one night. As little as he wished to antagonize Lusine, that didn't extend to her employees. He folded the garment over his arm.
He interjected at the latter, severe when wrapped in the authority of his position. "If it's that bad, send the bill to my office. The Champion was acting at my behest tonight. I'll not have her paying a Templar debt."
The woman shifted a long, searching look between the two before nodding. "If that's what you prefer. Far be it from me to interfere with others' business arrangements." She fixed Cullen with an assessing look. "I didn't have to help you at all."
The implication was crystal clear there. The money was only part of it. "No, you didn't. You'll find my gratitude adequate, I believe." He all but dared her to ask him for something underhanded or inappropriate with the look he gave her in return. He'd find a way to pay the debt without compromising himself or his office, and she seemed to understand that as well.
"I don't expect the two of you will linger for long." It was almost diplomatic, the way she was telling them to get the Void out of her brothel. "If you want to change, there's a room beyond this one you may use."
Cullen nodded and headed in that direction. The sooner they could be on their way the better he'd feel. He doubted that if Lusine sent anyone to tail them that they'd spot the shadow. They'd have to take care how they behaved toward one another all the way to the estate.
Lazarus has saved me massive frustration so many times. I love it.
For all that he couldn't control his blush, he had full control of his demeanor. He took the offered pants from the girl with a hard enough look that she was the one to look away first, this time without any suggestive glances downward. There were only so many indignities he'd willingly suffer in one night. As little as he wished to antagonize Lusine, that didn't extend to her employees. He folded the garment over his arm.
He interjected at the latter, severe when wrapped in the authority of his position. "If it's that bad, send the bill to my office. The Champion was acting at my behest tonight. I'll not have her paying a Templar debt."
The woman shifted a long, searching look between the two before nodding. "If that's what you prefer. Far be it from me to interfere with others' business arrangements." She fixed Cullen with an assessing look. "I didn't have to help you at all."
The implication was crystal clear there. The money was only part of it. "No, you didn't. You'll find my gratitude adequate, I believe." He all but dared her to ask him for something underhanded or inappropriate with the look he gave her in return. He'd find a way to pay the debt without compromising himself or his office, and she seemed to understand that as well.
"I don't expect the two of you will linger for long." It was almost diplomatic, the way she was telling them to get the Void out of her brothel. "If you want to change, there's a room beyond this one you may use."
Cullen nodded and headed in that direction. The sooner they could be on their way the better he'd feel. He doubted that if Lusine sent anyone to tail them that they'd spot the shadow. They'd have to take care how they behaved toward one another all the way to the estate.