Page 25 of Their Property
She was the first and only woman to ride on the back of my bike. I wasn’t the most sentimental man, but I never forgot how she’d held onto me when we got her out of that hellhole. How fearless she was and how she shrieked with laughter. I wanted to bottle that sound so I could hear it all the time.
It was only the second full day in Sevier, but she’d barely laughed once since we’d been here. Hopefully that would change once she found her footing.
I turned toward the windows of the building. The reflections of trees and blue sky made it difficult for anyone to see in, but that wasn’t what caught my attention.
One of the bodyguards from Kyrie’s first meeting stood just next to a windowpane, out of sight of the people inside. He was the mean, bulldog-looking motherfucker with a shaved head and permanent scowl. And he wasn’t alone. Three other men huddled around him, one leaning against the wall, talking in low voices.
I didn’t recognize the other three, but they looked just as shady as the bodyguard. Everyone’s head swiveled from time to time, on the lookout for anyone eavesdropping. No one detected me, obscured by the fountain and the hanging leaves of a willow tree. The group was too far away for me to hear anything, but I kept eyes on them until they disbanded and walked away.
That’s curious,I thought, waiting a few more minutes to continue my outside sweep before heading back inside.The guys will want to know about it.
“…Soyou see, Ambassadors, we are asking for you to draw on your unique experiences when submitting proposals to the Treasury Secretary…”
Kyrie’s lips parted and she released a soft sigh, eyes flicking in my direction once again. This was her second morning meeting, and the poor thing was utterly bored. We’d been catching each other’s eye for the past half-hour, and everything I’d prepared to say in my first patrol went out the window. My mind was blank, and I was content to just watch her, to see her smile and blush.
The next time she glanced at me, I was ready. I stared at the tip of my nose until my eyes crossed, and sucked in my lower lip so it looked like I had a massive overbite.
Kyrie let out an impressive snort, then started to laugh, then began coughing to cover up her laughter. Every head turned in her direction, making her face grow even redder as she shrank down in her seat.
“Ambassador Vance, is everything alright?” asked the Chairman.
“Yes! Yes, I apologize.” She composed herself quickly, but a hidden grin still pulled at her lips. “I, ah, had a sip of water and it went down the wrong pipe. Sorry for the interruption, everyone. Please continue.”
The meeting went on as if nothing had happened, and I was grateful that no one took notice of me. Now I couldn’t stop grinning victoriously at having made her laugh. It was even better than I expected and made my whole week.
Once the meeting ended and everyone filed out, I approached Kyrie with a note I had prepared.
“Is this an apology for embarrassing me?” she asked cheekily, taking the paper from me to read.
I chuckled with a shake of my head. I was proud of getting her to make those noises and would never apologize for it.
Her face sobered as she read over my brief note. “Oh, for last night in the car. Grudge, no.” She lifted her eyes, shaking her head at me. “It’s me who should be apologizing to you for that. I shouldn’t ask invasive questions about—“
“Mugh.” I waved my hand while making a sound of protest, then clenched my teeth and fist. Rarely did I hate my inability to speak. Usually I was at peace with it, but right now, I wished more than anything that I could justsaywhat was on my mind.
There was nothing wrong with what you asked me in the car. It brought up painful memories, but you never could have known that. You are lovely and kind, and I shouldn’t have been rude to you.
Kyrie stood still, waiting for me to elaborate in some way while I remained paralyzed by my frustration. Finally, I just cut my hand through the air again, huffing out a breath with a sheepish smile.
Kyrie smiled back, and my nerves eased just a little. “It’s forgotten. We’re good, Grudge.”
I nodded, relieved that she understood. My apology note had been simple, without any long-winded explanation. My personal history wasn’t something she needed to be burdened with.
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I amstarving.” Kyrie began gathering up documents and notes from her meeting. “I can’t believe it’s only lunchtime, and I have one morelongmeeting this afternoon.” She pushed her hair behind her shoulder, looking up at me with a cheeky grin. “You should make more faces at me to help pass the time.”
I returned her grin and tilted my head. It would be T-Bone’s turn to be in the room with her next, but I got a kick out of amusing her. Would she think of my stupid face this afternoon and laugh to herself?
Nah, wishful thinking.
She started toward the door, and theProse Eddawas burning a hole in my pocket. Her assistant had stepped out to use the restroom earlier, so now was my only opportunity.
“Mm!” I moved quickly toward her, holding my arm out in astopgesture.
Kyrie halted immediately and turned to me with a curious, if even hopeful, expression. “Is something wrong, Grudge?”
“Mm.” I shook my head, my pulse pounding. Why the fuck was I so nervous? It wasn’t like this was a surprise. I told her I’d give her the damn book.
I reached into my cut and withdrew it from the inner pocket, hoping she didn’t notice how my hand shook when I held it out to her.
