Page 116 of Cerulean Truth
Fine, his couch seemed tolerable enough. Taking another sip of the excellent Scotch, I seated myself, never breaking eye contact. I’d stare him down if I had to.
"Alright. You have my attention. I’m here, I’m sitting, I’m drinking. And I’m listening. Now, what is this all about?”
He took a deep breath, then downed the remainder of his drink in one gulp. "There was another breach tonight."
I frowned. "Another breach?"
“Of the Layers.”
I froze.
“Radicals?” I whispered.
James nodded. “They weren’t successful, though. I had the Council implement new safety measures after your abduction, so the Layers are still intact. But the attempt forced Maria to bubble in Cyclos again, which means all translation is out.”
“And you think they were coming for me?” I almost didn’t dare to ask, afraid of the answer.
James went completely still. While his body language exuded calm, his eyes betrayed a different story. The storm ragingwithin him was almost tangible, and the slight tremor of his hand as he poured himself a second drink betrayed the effort it took him to maintain that facade.
I could see it now, his usual display of coldness and indifference. It wasn’t all an act, but it wasn’t entirely true either. I could see how he would force himself to remain composed, especially when he felt anything but.
“They were coming for me.” It wasn’t a question anymore; it was a statement.
He nodded. “We believe they’re still after your blood for whatever reason. We don’t know how many they are but if we’re right, your dorm is the first place they’d look. Which is why, with all translation out, I had to bring you to the safest place in Cyclos.”
I raised a brow. The loft seemed safe, but not necessarily heavily fortified.
“This loft?” I asked, surprise evident in my voice.
James shook his head. “No. With me.”
I swallowed. “So, that’s what the whole caveman act was about? Keeping me safe? With you?”
He rolled his eyes again. “If you’d just done as I asked…”
I held up my hand. “Fine! Whatever! Let’s just drop it.”
“I’d love nothing more,” he grunted.
I finished my drink in one gulp, hoping to quiet the sudden surge of nerves gripping me.
"So, what's the plan? We stay here and play Scrabble until they come knocking for another 'bloodbag'?"
Raw, unfiltered rage flashed in his eyes, and I couldn't help but catch my breath at the intensity.
"Maria will maintain the bubble until Cyclos is deemed completely safe again. You'll be staying with me until then. Hopefully, by tomorrow morning, everything will have returned to normal," he replied, his words strained.
“So basically, I’m stuck here with you,” I groaned.
James squinted. “You could do worse, you know. But yeah, until this threat has officially been cleared, consider me your personal bodyguard.”
Great.
I glanced around the loft. “Where am I supposed to sleep?”
“There’s room under the sink in the bathroom. It won’t be cozy or comfortable but at least you’ll be safe.”
I blinked.
