Behind the bar, Gaia flashed a professional smile. "Hey, baby, what can I get you? A cocktail, or maybe something else I've got down below?"

Andrew pulled back his hood, revealing a brilliant grin. "Ms. Evans, that line's tacky as hell and old as dirt. Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not interested in what you've to offer. It probably reeks anyway."

Gaia bristled with rage, but when she got a clear look at Andrew's face, she froze like she had been struck by lightning. "It's you! You actually had the nerve to come back? Don't you know the entire city's looking for you right now?"

Her mind spun, and she instinctively turned to call someone and tip them off.

However, Andrew was faster. His greatsword pressed against her ample chest in an instant, his smile still brilliant. "I just want a place to get some sleep and grab a bite to eat. I hope you won't make this difficult for me."

Gaia's whole body went cold as ice. She did not even know if the thing in his hands was a sword or a bl