bentbrokenbulletsâ:
The way that pretty face gave away words like âsweetheartâ while scanning shelves of weapons wasnât entirely unusual anymore. How young the kid seemed was, but Kel had learned not to ask questions from those with connections. To say Cleo was well-known in their circles was an understatement, one that did their work no credit. And so even though the two hadnât interacted much- at all really, theirs was a familiar face. One he wasnât sure he trusted, no matter how many raving reviews there were.
âA gift?â Now that was a surprise. Cleo had been at the Ball, Kel knew that for a fact even if theyâd barely managed keeping track of names and faces. Most people heâd seen in the shop since the even thad been more worried about their own protection. Perhaps there was a benefactor who had a thing for firearms. Perhaps they and- well that was none of his business. His mouth twitched into his own smile. âQuiet and sparkly, you sure you know what youâre asking for? If itâs a piece for show thatâs one thing, but you canât expect it to be sharpshooter worthy.â
He limped past the first set of cases, beckoning Cleo to follow. âWere you thinking something small and concealable or is this for hunting? If you find one you like, I can customize it with whatever engravings and rhinestones you want.â
he takes smaller steps to match the manâs limp, follows him to the back cases. eyes are quick to wander the sleek designs, the harsh lightning that has the firearms gleaming. beautiful, but not enough for him.
he hums an affirmation and the otherâs question, tapping fingers to lips lightly. âa gift, yes. did you think someone like me would need one?â he smiles, too sharp along the edges to be kind. âwhat a mess that would cause, if the whores started carrying guns. what reason to shoot me unless youâre a jealous wife?â
he is almost amused, cocking his head slightly when he turns to kellan.
âsomething on the smaller side if you could, my love. no pistols. it has to be something with a greater damage.â almost as casual as listing out his grocery list, voice ever-pleasant. âa shame there arenât more sharpshooter items that are half as beautiful as what they could do. how criminal.â
he leans against the counter now, focus trained on kellan. âshall I trust in your judgement? this is outside of my expertise, unfortunately. any suggestions?â his smile is almost sweet. Â















