Page 34 of Bargains with Benefits
“Vincent,” my mother cut in. “He only meant that we don’t know your friend. We’re sure she’s nice”—her nostrils flared—“but she’s not exactly serious relationship material.”
“Mother,” I hissed, “you are completely out of line.”
Luna’s face was as white as a sheet. This was so much worse than the pink that bloomed on her cheeks when she was embarrassed. I realized too late that my hand was still outstretched for her. I was sure she had no interest in taking it, given Mother’s last comment. Not wanting to embarrass her or myself further, I pulled it back. She snatched it before it got too far away.
“I’d like to leave,” she said steadily.
My heart kicked in my chest. “So would I.”
Before we took a step, wind blew through our alcove, and the wine glasses on our table fell to the floor, shattering. This was officially a disaster. I couldn’t believe my parents would do such a thing, but I was sure the wind wasn’t natural, or mine. Father’s face was red. My bet was on him being the culprit.
Mother squeezed his hand. “Vincent, don’t make a scene.”
Luna glanced at me with confusion. I imagined she knew my wind well enough by now to realize that wasn’t me.
“You already have,” I whispered. “We’ll leave you to it.”
Hands clasped, we wound our way through the maze of tables as quickly as we dared, trying to get as far from my parents as we could in as little time as possible. I wasn’t sure what to say to Luna once we were clear of the restaurant. How many ways could I say I was sorry? How could I explain whatI’d been about to say before they arrived? I’d only look like a liar now. She’d never believe I had intended to tell her their behavior had embarrassed me my entire life.
I took a deep breath as we pushed through the doors. At some point, she’d taken the lead, pulling me—probably when I’d lost track of how precisely to get away. Now that I watched her, though, I saw that wasn’t quite right. Was she limping? The air was cool against my heated skin. I had opened my mouth to say something, unsure, when I realized what had happened.
“My gods, Luna, your foot is bleeding. Did you step on the glass?”
She peered down. “Yes, I’m so stupid. I forgot I wore these flimsy slippers instead of my usual boots.” She shook her head. “I didn’t even think.”
“Absolutely none of this is your fault,” I said, my anger at my parents falling away as I realized she must still have glass stuck in her foot. I looked around. We were in Central Circle. I needed somewhere to remove the glass and clean the wound. Unfortunately, there was only one location that made sense. “We can go to my place. I can clean it and wrap it there.”
She nodded. I wasn’t sure that was consent for what my wind did next, but she didn’t object as it swept her into my arms.
“This is a little much.” Her laugh unknotted something in my chest.
I shrugged as I started walking. “Maybe, but you’re entitled to hazard treatment after that experience.” My head tilted back toward the restaurant.
“That wasn’t your fault,” she said, but I was already shaking my head.
“I’m so sorry for their behavior. I’ll get this out of your foot, and then I’ll understand if you never want to speak to me again.”
Her hand wrapped around a fold of my jacket as I walked.We were almost there, but she pulled on the fabric, demanding my attention. I glanced down at the beautiful woman in my arms.
“They are not you, Vincent. Don’t you remember what I asked you right before they arrived?” I stopped walking, her blue eyes demanding I meet them. I was going to run us into a building being this distracted.
“I know…but that was before…”
“Before what?” she pressed. “Before your parents made asses of themselves? I, more than anyone, know that children aren’t their parents.”
I hated that example but knew she meant it. Freeing myself from her gaze, I started walking again. “We’re almost there, and then I can have the glass out momentarily,” I said, ignoring her comment.
“Where...” she didn’t finish the question, but I knew what she was asking.
I sucked in a breath. It was too late, now, to change my mind. I wouldn’t have her walk home with glass in her foot. “This is my apartment.” I glanced down briefly before walking up the steps to the front door.
Her eyes widened in understanding. “You don’t live in Andiveron House,” she said, now understanding what I’d shared about my morning walks during our meal.
My lips pressed into a thin smile, and I opened the door, letting my first-ever guest into my home.
16
Luna
