Page 55 of Origins
“Of course not.” One of Titus’ jean-clad legs moved into my vision, and my focus drifted upwards along the length of his frame. He wasn’t looking at me, though. He studied the room as he pulled his loose hair back into a ponytail.
For a moment I forgot what we were talking about, but then he glanced back at me and pointed to one particular item in the mass of equipment. “Onlythatcamera cost that much. It’s infrared—top of the line, of course. I’m not sure what everything else cost. I left the details up to Maria.”
Mariaagain. The bitter sting of jealousy that I held toward this mysterious fluffy-haired blonde surprised me. Of course, I had no idea what she actually looked like. But a blonde would be his type.
Not that I caredwhathis type was. I didn’t want to date a Mafia lumberjack anyway. Besides, it didn’t matter—since they didn’t date and were celibate and all...
But even though I was desperately trying—reallytrying—I was still wary of Titus. Especially when we were alone. I wasn’t sure why, though. There was something bizarre about him, but I just couldn’t put my finger on it. Perhaps it had something to do with his dark, dangerous presence. These were traits that the other three men lacked. But what better way to face your fears than open exposure?
If Titus was a paranormal fighting Mafia-based monk, then there was no way that Maria was a girlfriend from a rival gang. That would be unrealistic—who ever heard of a gang of monks? If one such thing existed, then they were all clearly on the same side.
Shecouldbe Titus’ apprentice. I should ask, but it might give him the wrong impression. Like, jealous impressions. I couldn’t ask—I shouldn’t be jealous or curious. But maybe it was normal to know? Wouldn’t it look strange for friends not to know this kind of stuff?
But then the words he had just said registered past my inner ponderings.
“Hold on,” I put my hand up in shock, surprising Titus. He paused, mid-motion of picking a camera up off of the floor I continued before he could respond. “Are you saying that this pile of stuff cost more than three thousand dollars?”
He didn’t move an inch, but watched me—perplexed. Then his green eyes drifted to the pile for a moment before returning to me. This time his tone was wary as he answered. “Yes. I imagine so.”
I was flabbergasted. “Why in the world would you spend that much money? All we need is holy water, and perhaps some incense. How long do I need to work to pay this back—?”
“You don’t need to pay this back,” Titus straightened, interrupting me. “My company collects all sorts of technology for research purposes. This is all a business expense.”
I ignored him. “I’m paying this back, don’t argue.”
My gaze was trapped to the pile now, it seemed to grow bigger the longer I stared. “I’m going to be working for free forever.”
I should have asked for a written agreement. I had no idea what my salary was supposed to be in the first place. I’d bet they wouldn’t even bat an eye at paying me a hundred dollars an hour or something ridiculous sum of money. I couldn’t let them do that. It wouldn’t be right.
I couldn’t accept such generosity. I simply didn’t deserve it. I just hoped they’d never be able to figure this out for themselves.
“What are you thinking about?” Titus asked.
I looked up quickly, drawing in a sharp breath, when I realized that his face was now shockingly close to my own. It startled me, and—despite my best attempts—I couldn’t suppress my surprised reaction as I lurched backwards.
Then I was started to lose my balance, and almost smacked my head against the stairs.
Titus quickly grabbed my shoulders to stabilize me.
I blinked, stunned, as I slowly came to realize what had justhappened. Titus’ body framed mine. One of his forearms pillowed my head—against the place where my skull would have smashed against the steps. The other arm was wrapped around my shoulders, holding me to him.
“Watch out,” he sounded winded. His voice, along with the feel of his steady warmth over me, had my heart thundering in my chest.
“Sorry,” I stammered. What should I do now? I could have seriously hurt him. At this point, I’m capable of just about anything.
“Are you alright?” Titus shifted on top of me. And as he stood up, he pulled me up along with him as if I weighed nothing. Electricity ran down my spine as he held me back from him, his large hands were gentle on my arms. His gaze travelled the length of me—starting at my feet—surveying for injuries. Once our eyes met, he froze.
A tense moment passed before he frowned and dropped his hands from my arms. “You’re scared of me.” Shame flooded into his expression and a self-reproachful look took over his features.
I hated that I had been the cause.
He continued, his voice softer now—as if he were talking to a frightened animal. “I’m so sorry. I thought that it was okay… I’ve been picking you up and holding you all night. I just didn’t realize…”
I couldn’t bare the look in his eyes. But he kept on uttering apologies, not giving me a chance to respond. I wanted to deny that he was right, but I couldn’t. The fact remained that I was scared of him. There was something dark about him, and I knew that hecouldhurt me without breaking a sweat.
Yes, any one of them could hurt me if they wanted to. But Titus was different.
Eventually, I would get over my fear. I knew that I could. But I would never be able to do so if I wasn’t honest with him from the beginning.
