Page 73 of The Reluctant Hero

“I like what you’re doing with him. It’s showing him a lot of things he doesn’t want to see in people.”

“Like what? Having a sense of humor?”

“Basically, yeah,” he sounds surprised that he’s saying it. “I can’t remember a time he’s let loose like he does with you. It’s good for him.”

“You want me to stay and be a verbal pinata?” I glare.

“No. Never that,” his tone darkens. “I want you to keep fighting back. No quitting.”

He sounds like my parents right now, and the thought makes me wince. Jeffersons don’t quit. We don’t give up. We fight until our knuckles are raw and then fight some more. Yeah, Dad was talking about sports, but he also meant it for life.

He also taught me to know if what I’m fighting for is worth it.

Is Matthias worth it?

“So tomorrow,” he raises his brow at me as I cross my arms in mutiny. “Dress like you used to. Don’t have music. Be a professional.”

“That’s just giving in,” I protest angrily. That doesn’t help me at all.

His eyes slide to me as his lips turn up in a smirk. The subtle change into a coconspirator intrigues me.

“It will also teach him that getting what hethinkshe wants isn’t always enjoyable.”

“Bullshit,” I disagree with a sneer. The elevator doors open, and he walks me out.

“No bullshit,” he chuckles. “No matter what he does to make you break, stick with it. Stay pleasant and boring.”

“Jesus, I’m going to have to start carrying around a stress ball again,” I grumble. I look at him next to me with a frown. He’s keeping pace with me, shortening his strides so he doesn’t leave me behind.

“You’re not walking me home.”

I try to be dismissive about it because I don’t need the extra temptation of his presence. I just got called out on flirting with everyone and cheating, to top it off. It reminds me of the pictures. I fight off a gag and focus on where I’m going.

“Just until I’m done talking,” he assures me, but I don’t know if I believe him. This has the weird effect of making me feel safe, even though I’ve never felt threatened on my walk to work.

I don’t say anything as he goes into detail about how boring I need to be. By the end of it, I’m agreeing with him, and I have no idea how he managed it. When he turns to leave, within sight of the apartment, I want to stop him and invite him to keep walking with me. This is the first time he’s truly spoken to me instead of glaring or looking blank. I’m enjoying it, and I don’t want it to end.

Instead, I give him a polite goodnight and keep going. Joke or not, Matthias’ words reminded me of how ridiculous it is for me to be interested in any of them. It punctuates the kiss with Ace nicely. I can look, but I definitely can’t touch. They’re way above my pay grade, and I’m not making that mistake twice.

Right?

16

Everything Ends

Amanda

Harriette sees me first and gives me a disappointed frown.

My low heels, subdued ill-fitting skirt suit, and hair wrapped in a bun image doesn’t please her at all.

“He subdued you that quickly? I’m disappointed.”

I glance around and hurry to the desk. “New tactic, same game.”

She blinks in surprise as I give her a regal nod and go to the elevator.

I spend the ride up doing old breathing exercises and trying to find that mysteriouscentertherapists talk about on TV.

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