Page 32 of Deadly Sights

“Your concern is sweet and unnecessary.”

“So now that we got Tamara’s tea, will you tell us about that mystery dessert I saw walking out of your building today?” Chelsea wraps her arm around my waist before I can step away.

“I plead the fifth.”

“Nadira!” Everyone throws the softest object close at hand at me, and I barely dodge a pillow to the face.

“Look, I don’t know what’s happening between us. Until I do, think of him as… a new friend.”

Moni selects a bag of gourmet popcorn from the goodies table. “Does this friend dick you down? If so, I need to know size, girth, if he hits it just right…you know, everything. It’s been so long since you’ve had a man to scratch that itch that we need to know how he’s performing.”

Moni’s invasive curiosity shouldn’t surprise me. Most often I find her refreshing. But a slight flush heats my skin because Julian and I haven’t kissed. “You know better. I don’t kiss and tell.”

When I picture Julian and his devilish smile, I wish I had something to tell them. I wouldn’t. Some things should remain secrets. But with lips like his, there’s no way I’d be the same after his kiss.

CHAPTER 15

COUPLES THAT SLAY

Julian

Ibreathe deeply, in and out, relying on the practice I learned years ago to manage my stress. The urge to put things in their place continues to ride me, but it’s an urge I can control now that I have Nadira’s word.

A soft paw pats my face, and I open my eyes to Leaper’s concerned stare. Surrounded by Nadira’s things and her scent, a sense of peace settles over me.

“I’m alright now.” I pet the cat until she curls up under my sweatshirt and begins to purr.

The vibration has a soothing effect and works to silence the voice inside telling me things are out of place. They aren’t. It’s a battle I’ve won time and again and will have to fight again in the future.

It’s 2 AM but I can’t sleep. I’m wired from my earlier conversation with Nadira asking me to help her recover hermemories. Already, I have the perfect place to start; where everything started.

While I’m busy making plans for a visit to the place that holds some of the best and worst memories for me, the phone rings.

“How quickly can you get here, and how many tools can you bring with you?” Nadira’s voice sends a jolt through my system.

“Depends. Are we leaving any traces behind?”

“No evidence.”

“How many?”

“Two.”

“Is this a job?”

“No, it’s very personal. Oh, and I’ll need a wig.”

“I’ll be there in thirty with everything you need.” I hang up and extract Leaper from my sweater despite her vocal protests. “Sorry my girl, but your mama needs me.”

As if she understands, she gives me another meow that sounds like permission and flicks her tail to get me on my way.

A surge of energy revitalizes me. Nadira reaching out to me has to mean she wants me to be a part of her plans. Like when we were kids, she was a lone wolf, working on her own. Especially when someone hurt her friends. She took everything on, meting out punishments without backup. That lasted until I proved I could defend myself. Then we worked as a team.

I try not to get my hopes up, but I’d be lying if I didn’t envision us working side by side again. Yet, her request didn’t specifically ask for my help other than to provide the weapons she’ll need for the unfortunate souls that pissed her off.

With time to spare, I pull up to the service entrance of her hotel and wait for Nadira’s arrival. I don’t wait long before she exits the building, her emotionless mask in place. If anyone looks close enough, they’ll see what I do. Her eyes betray her. Unlike the emptiness that takes her over when something hitsher soft emotions, in these early hours of the morning, life thrives in her black irises. Life and death.

“We have to make this quick.” Nadira checks her watch. “I have to return before my friends wake.”

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