The intensity of Patrick's gaze, focused on the two of them, himself an Zana, wasn't lost on Theo. Even if most of his own attention seemed to be focused on her, Theo had long understood that observation as a developed skill was important when it came to business. Even more important in some ways in this type of business. And considering all else he knew based on where he'd grown up, it was often an all the more critical survival skill. The color of Patrick's eyes didn't appear to be as traitorous as his own tended to be. But while Theo couldn't read minds, the look combined with previous comments and proximity gave him a pretty good idea what the other man was thinking.
He didn't comment, only grinned a little in response. It wasn't the first time this had happened and probably wouldn't be the last. Theo might have been wrong, or misinterpreted what Patrick told them about how things worked at the Harlot and Hound. It sounded to him as if there was very little oversight when it came to clients, as if...if they'd the money to spend, then it was good enough reason for business as usual. It was an important distinction for Theo, especially after the events that had led to Zana being here now, forbidden to work until he, and she judged herself ready. The same ones that had left Billie battered, bruised and broken. In some ways Peter was no different. Flash enough coin and the owner of the Lap of Luxury tended to lose sight of the long term and it's many facets.
"How long do the girls last, or for that matter the men?" he asked, just before Robyn wandered over. He didn't mean what those with imaginative minds could have assumed, but more to turnover of those who worked there. Good treatment combined with good money meant happy girls after all. Girls who weren't happy would quickly begin to consider their options and look for better prospects elsewhere.
And all the while he'd kept his arm snug around Zana's waist. Her interest and curiosity was obvious to him, but he could sense that she was also unsure. Just as well then that Robyn had come by and stepped in, and Theo could only agree with Zana on that point. "She'll make sure you're taken care of and then some," he promised, though he and Robyn hadn't connected in the way he implied. He wasn't her handler. Peter was. And in other ways, Theo had to admit that in other ways, happily, he had his hands full already.
He didn't comment, only grinned a little in response. It wasn't the first time this had happened and probably wouldn't be the last. Theo might have been wrong, or misinterpreted what Patrick told them about how things worked at the Harlot and Hound. It sounded to him as if there was very little oversight when it came to clients, as if...if they'd the money to spend, then it was good enough reason for business as usual. It was an important distinction for Theo, especially after the events that had led to Zana being here now, forbidden to work until he, and she judged herself ready. The same ones that had left Billie battered, bruised and broken. In some ways Peter was no different. Flash enough coin and the owner of the Lap of Luxury tended to lose sight of the long term and it's many facets.
"How long do the girls last, or for that matter the men?" he asked, just before Robyn wandered over. He didn't mean what those with imaginative minds could have assumed, but more to turnover of those who worked there. Good treatment combined with good money meant happy girls after all. Girls who weren't happy would quickly begin to consider their options and look for better prospects elsewhere.
And all the while he'd kept his arm snug around Zana's waist. Her interest and curiosity was obvious to him, but he could sense that she was also unsure. Just as well then that Robyn had come by and stepped in, and Theo could only agree with Zana on that point. "She'll make sure you're taken care of and then some," he promised, though he and Robyn hadn't connected in the way he implied. He wasn't her handler. Peter was. And in other ways, Theo had to admit that in other ways, happily, he had his hands full already.
