Page 26 of White Charms and Dark Secrets

“You didn't close your eyes.”

“I did....at least, once I realised how much it hurt to leave them open.” I glance around, happy to find myself in the familiar comfort of my own dining room.

“They're red, let me fix them,” he says, leaning towards me and pulling my attention back to him.

I step back and use my hands to hold him off. “Why?”

“Because I agreed you would arrive here unharmed, that's why!” he snaps, batting away my hands as he steps forward and goes to touch my face.

I grit my teeth as he forces my eyes shut and rests his thumbs over my eyelids. Keeping my eyes shut while a demon’s hands touch my face isn’t exactly a relaxing experience. Warmth spreads out from his touch, and when he pulls his hands away, I know that I'm fixed.

“Thanks,” I mutter my begrudging appreciation, hating how he keeps helping me. I don't understand it, even if he’s saying it's only him not wanting to owe me. He does it too easily, and I don’t trust it. I don’t know what game he is playing, but I’m determined not to let myself become a pawn in it.

“Well, I must be going. I’ll see you soon, Kayla.” He smirks and gives me a sarcastic-looking wave.

“Don’t count on it,” I mumble, maintaining eye contact until he vanishes.

Despite my protests, I can’t help but think he’s right. Something tells me I’ll see him again, far sooner than I’d like.

Fourteen

Deep Breaths

Alone and safe at last, an overwhelming exhaustion hits me. Shuffling into the kitchen, I gulp down a glass of water to appease my dry mouth, then trudge into the living room to sleep.

The sofa will do for a quick rest. The stairs look like a mountain to me right now, one I don’t possess the will or energy to climb.

The doorbell rings just as I collapse down onto the sofa. A loud groan of frustration leaves me.Who the hell is here this early?At least, judging by the light peeking in through the curtains, I assume it's early.

Who knows, maybe it's mid-day and I'm just out of it?

With my body aching and tired, I drag myself off from the sofa and go to see who’s here. As I approach, an impatient, hard knock bangs against the door, making me jump.

“Hold on!” I shout, as I struggle with the locks. I finally pull the door open and I find myself trapped in the gaze of a shifter’s russet brown eyes.

“Kayla,” he breathes in relief, stepping forward and enfolding me into his arms. Still seeing signs of worry plastered across his face, I allow him to hold me close. “Where the hell have you been? What happened to you? Are you okay?” Darren rattles off the questions in rapid succession as he pulls back to inspect me, keeping his arms on my shoulders. I wriggle out of his grip and step back.

“Do you want to come in, or are we gonna play twenty questions out here on the doorstep?” I tease, trying to get him to chill out. He frowns at me in response, but moves inside, shutting the door behind him.

“What happened?” he demands, his voice tense, as we walk to the living room.

“How much do you know?” I bite my lip.Maybe I shouldn't tell him everything...He'll only overreact. He's overbearing enough as it is, and I don't need him screwing up this job for me too. In future I'll damn sure wear my stupid bracelet during my shifts. Rhydian gave it to me for a reason, and I was stupid not to wear it.

“I know there was a raid at The Rift, and afterwards you went missing for three days.” He leans against the wall, but taps a steady rhythm with his foot on the floor, as if unable to remain still.

Three days? How fucking long was I unconscious? And how the hell did they not figure out I wasn't Gina in all that time?

“Kayla?” Darren’s impatient prompt interrupts my musing.

“I got arrested,” I admit, and I plop down on the sofa again.Screw standing up. Hell, I swear if he tries to make me stand up again in the next hour, I may kill him.

“You what? Why? Because you were working at The Rift?” he continues his interrogation.

I let out a long breath, knowing this conversation isn't going to be brief or fun. Fantasies of my bed run through my head. Nothing sexy going on in it either. Just me, my bed, darkness, and a good night's sleep. Mortification slams into me as I realise I sound like a worn-out parent or an old lady. As neither, I feel like I should be a little concerned.

“Are you just going to stare into space all day?” Darren growls.

“No. Sorry, I'm just tired.” I sigh, rolling my eyes. He could give me a few seconds to get my thoughts in order. I need to decide just how much to tell him. “They arrested me because they thought I was someone else. Some shifter called Gina somebody who was wanted forvarious crimes,” I recount. I can't help but wonder if Gina even looks anything like me. Would they stop searching for her, thinking she's safely tucked away? She should probably thank me.

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