They stood silent and still in the street, Skulduggery stiller than most - and not solely because of his lack of muscle. China. China Sorrows, the most beautiful woman in the world, a seductress, a manipulator, and a massive pain in the neck for anyone trying to deal with her.

She wasn't, however, stupid. Her self-preservation instinct was - usually - in full attendance. Gleefully enthralling someone she knew wasn't able to fight back was one thing, but she must have known Anton might tell Skulduggery. Had she become that complacent? Did Skulduggery's half-apology from when he was living take her guard down that far? Was she that sure she'd be able to get away with it?

Skulduggery forced himself to take a breath. Then another, and another one after that. Then, for good measure, a fourth. Only when the immediate red flare of rage had subsided did he bow his head.

"What did you tell her?" he asked, his voice quieter than it might otherwise have been in the midst of city bustle.