Exton

There is a distinct buzzing noise and Ramji fishes his phone out of his pocket. Excusing himself, he steps into the yard to take the call. After the initial hello he speaks rapidly, the words indecipherable, but the sound definitely haggling. he clicks the phone shut and nods once. Turning on his heel he comes back to the group. He is silent until there is a break in the conversation.

"Excuse me, but I must go for a bit. I will ring Keon when I am about to return." He takes Laila's hand in his, raising it to his lips. "Then, if it pleases you *malo janje, I would like to take you and your sister to the open air stalls. Perhaps we can find some treasures for your room?"

Laila smiles up at him. He grins in return. Gone is the grim-faced Hunter, for just a moment. When he looks at the others, the mask has slipped back in place.

"I have a purchase to pick up. I promise to return soon so you may do what women around the world enjoy." There are snickers and half swallowed giggles. He shakes his head. "I meant shop, not gossip."

He steps into the shadows of the trees and is gone.

An hour, perhaps two, has passed before Keon's phone vibrates. He clips it open and listens. There is the sound of an engine's low growl and a Jaguar XF prowls into a parking spot. The deep burgundy is almost black, shining metallic in the sun. The driver side door opens and Ramji grins as he leans on the hood of the car.

"Your chariot awaits, My Ladies."

Keon shakes his head. "Lad, is this what ye ordered last year?"

Ramji runs a hand along the quarter panel. "Yes. I thought, why not, I always wanted something beautiful." His eyes follow Laila as she tentatively peeks inside. "Now I find it is not as beautiful as I once thought." He looks up to find Keon smiling at him. "Besides... It is fast, well made, and handles like a well trained stallion. I swear there is a dragon under the hood." He shrugs. "Not like I didn't have the money and I rented a garage to keep it in when I go Otherworlds."

Keon leans close, speaking just for his ears. "Never let the car outshine the lady. A car can be replaced, a love..." he blinks "The right love, cannot."

Ramji frowns in thought, looking at Laila as she runs her hand over the pale leather seats. She glances up, catching the look, and snatches her hand from the soft leather. Her teeth capture her lower lip and she lowers her eyes. Ramji speaks to Keon, but loud enough for Laila to hear.

"I don't think I bought the right car, Ke. The color doesn't do her justice."

He watches Laila as she backs away from the car. Only a step or two, but he noticed. He next words make her eyes open wide in surprise.

"Perhaps I should return it for the metallic blue? That color is more suited to Laila's beauty."

He opens the back door, and nods to Thea and Laila.

"Shall we go Ladies? The stalls only stay open until three."


*little lamb