Page 122 of Cerulean Truth
James kept his eyes in front of him. “That wasn’t his to share.”
“So, it’s true?” I pressed.
“Yes.”
A single word. No stammering, no hesitation, just the firm truth.
I swallowed, mustering the courage to ask on. “And then the Council turned you into someone who kills people…not so accidentally?”
“Yes.”
I paused.
“Is that why it’s so difficult to train me. Because you’re scared I’ll do the same? Kill people by accident?” I asked, almost whispering.
James hesitated for a second before he nodded.
“I won’t,” I promised.
James didn’t respond. Wanting to keep the peace between us, I cuddled into him a little more.
It took him a second, but he pulled me in closer as well.
There were still so many questions I wanted to ask. His real name, for example. Or how he went from contract killer to Leader. But, for now, I simply wanted to ensure that our truce could still endure, even when I dared to ask these very personal questions.
“So,” I pressed on, “Friends then?”
He hesitated, swallowing before replying, “Friends it is.”
I smiled victoriously.
“Does that mean I get to ask some other personal questions?” I prodded.
“No,” he responded firmly.
I frowned. “Okay, does it mean you’ll stop ordering me around?”
“No.”
“Will you laugh from time to time?”
“I hope not.”
“No offense, but it sounds like you’ll kind of suck as a friend,” I teased.
He chuckled. “Deal with it.”
I shook my head and sighed. “Just like all men, you’re a work in progress. Don’t worry, we’ll make a human out of you yet.”
He smiled. “Just like we’ll make a maga out of you.”
His reply stung a little, but I appreciated the sentiment.
A shiver rolled through me again, as we finished our cigars.
“You’re shivering. Let’s get you back inside,” James ordered, as he rose to his feet.
I rolled my eyes at his commanding tone. “What did I just tell you about ordering me around?”
