"It was not rude!" He flops his arm up, elbow planted on the floor, and gives his hand a careless wave. "It was talent. You would make a good partner, gattina. It is a talent, to think so well on the feet."

He huffs out a breath, a man relieved. The high of the chase and the lie is ebbing, leaving him liquid and boneless and happy. A drink would be good right now. He meets Ktity's gaze, with a smile.

"If you buy me a drink, I will tell you."