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CHAPTER ONE ❛ 01. threats are the new invitations ❜
"You know that stuff can kill you, right?" Jesper crossed his arms and leaned against the table that Zara was currently sitting at. "Yes, because I'm the only person here that has vices" Zara smiled at Jesper and lifted the cigarette to her lips. Jesper rolled his eyes and moved Zara's feet from the chair as he sat down.
"Gambling is an art and I am it's artist" Jesper waved his hand in Zara's direction. Zara giggled and shoved her cigarette into the edge of the table. "Gambling is a race, and you almost always lose, Jesper." He shook his head and pointed at her. "Says the girl who loses to me in every game she plays!" Zara laughed, "I never claimed to be an artist or a winner. But by all means, try to out-drink me Jesper!"
Zara and Jesper had a funny relationship. They both loved each other like siblings, Zara missing her own and Jesper always wanting one. Zara had been in an especially dark place without her dearest brother Nikolai, and Jesper had just found out he'd lost almost sixty kruge when they'd met. Jesper had always checked on her, even when he himself was not doing so well. She made sure to remind him that Kaz had asked him to spend the money on smart things, not gambling.
They were each other's crutch during hard times, and Zara had no idea what she'd do without Jesper. "Are you busy right now? Did Kaz send you on a job, or something?" Jesper pushed himself up off from the chair and grabbed Zara's drink from the table. Damn, she'd actually wanted to drink that. "Nope, I'm off to Crow Club to show some fat old men who's boss. Want to come?" Zara shook her head and pushed herself up from the table.
"Can't, I have a meeting across town with a merchant. The King of Ketterdam commands it." Jesper nodded before wrapping an arm around Zara. "Let me drop you off, Z. I have some business on that side of town anyway." Zara frowned. By business, did he mean losing more money? "Jesper can you have a normal day for once? Just go get something to eat, or better yet, come with me!" Jesper rolled his eyes.
"You think Kaz would want me intruding on your rich girl work? Yeah he barely wants me at the Crow Club unless I'm managing the door." Zara poked Jesper's arm. "Maybe that's because you spend more time playing than working. Please come with me, I'm terrified of the rich people on that side of town."
He knew that was a lie, and so did she. Zara was hardly afraid of anyone, thanks to years living near terrifying and much older Grisha. She just didn't want Jesper to get into trouble again. Everyone could feel how tense it was around the Slat or the Crow Club whenever Kaz became angry at Jesper. They were friends, and Jesper held Kaz' opinion in high regard. "You want me, Jesper Fahey, to go with you on a rich girl mission? One that Kaz asked you to do?" Zara rolled her eyes.
"If I tell you that I'll buy you a new outfit just for this meeting, will you come with me?" Jesper glanced down at Zara and raised his eyebrows. "Silk or satin?" Zara scoffed. "Silk, obviously, What kind of person do you take me for?" Jesper nodded and grabbed his hat.
