Page 21 of Heritage of Fire

Oh, okay?I’m having trouble reading my new roommate already.

“Do you—do you like the city or something?” I ask, distant memories plaguing me with unease.

She studies me, stretching her arms out in front of her like she’s trying to let loose some of the tension in her shoulders.

“I don’t know. I’ve only been a couple of times.”

“Don’t you only live two hours from it? Your father owns several restaurants there, right?”

“Yes, but my sister and I were always kept pretty far from it. Me more so.”

She frowns like she’s remembering something, and a fleeting spark ignites in her eyes before she blinks it away.

“I see,” I say, confused as to why I suddenly want to keep her talking. Her voice is soft and smooth. Its silkiness wraps around me like a lasso, pulling me in.

I need to get out of this car.

We pull up to the warehouse almost an hour later. The lights are on, and the security guards on duty acknowledgemy return. Luna’s eyes go wide, and I notice her start to shake when the guards come up to the car.

“We have 24/7 security on site here. Luka assigned two guards to this warehouse for you …” She looks at me, and I forget where I was going with this.

I reach for my door handle, intending to go around to her side, but she lets herself out of the car. She bunches her dress in her hands and lifts it.

“If you need to go anywhere, please ask one of them.” As I say that, an odd sensation gnaws at me.

I could take her.

No, you can’t.

She nods, and I lead her to the entrance.

Several men are working with shipping crates. They wave at me, doing a double take when they notice Luna in her dress.

“The men will be working around the clock, but the apartment is fairly soundproof.” I pause, watching Luna study the men. “This way, Luna.”

She looks at me, the deep brown of her gaze burning a hole through me. Clenching my jaw, I look away.Damn it.

I both want her attention and need to push it away at the same time. It’s infuriating.

We come to the stairs leading to the second floor, and I motion to our right. “This way is the training facility and gym. We keep both locked with biometric access so if you’d like to use the facilities let me know and we can get you added.”

She nods again. Her throat works as she swallows. This is no doubt overwhelming for her, and I try to muster up more patience, heeding what Kate suggested.

As I scan into the apartment, I make a mental note to have an access card made for Luna. The studio’s air is cold after being away all day. I switch on several lights and march over to the thermostat to bump it up. When I turn to head over to the kitchen, I notice Luna still standing in the doorway, eyes raking over everything. Her arms are closed around her middle again.

“This is the kitchen, obviously.” I smirk. Luna focuses on me through her thick lashes, and I blink.

What was I saying?

“Since it’s modeled after a penthouse, everything flows together, but sliding pocket doors separate the bedroom and master bathroom from the rest of the space. I usually leave them open, but …”

I’m mumbling like a stupid idiot now and I don’t know why I’m so flustered. The sudden urge to be a tour guide in my own home—utterly annoying.

“This is the living area, TV, bedroom, bathroom,” I continue, pointing to each area of the apartment. “Oh, and add whatever you want to the fridge. You can order on your phone and sendone of the guys to go pick it up. Or one of them can drive you to the store. Whatever.” Luna’s eyes follow my finger. They’re red rimmed, and I can’t tell if she’s fighting tears or tired.

“I—I don’t have a phone,” she says, and it’s barely a whisper.

I snort. “Who doesn’t have a phone?”

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