Page 28 of Ghost
He only sighed with a forced patience. “You don’t have to talk to her. I want you to leave with Bianca.”
My eyes snapped to Titus, and I opened my mouth to protest. But before I could utter a word, the reversal of a shifter transformation captured my attention.
Golden fur retreated, bones twisted and reformed. And, suddenly, there was a naked blonde woman crouching on the floor.
Maria. I figured she was blonde and shapely. It was a good thing Titus was celibate, because there was no way I could compete.
Not that I cared, honestly. Because the last thing I wanted—or needed—was a relationship. But that was assuming anyone was interested in me, which was unlikely. That was alright, it was safer this way. In fact, I didn’t know why the thought had crossed my mind.
I needed to step aside for a moment. Perhaps have a coffee. “I need a drink.”
“I like you already.” Manicured fingers wrapped around my hand in a strong grip. My eyes snapped up, locking with Maria’s soft brown ones. A small grin touched her pink lips. “I am Maria. I’m craving a Jack and Coke myself. Give me a moment and we can leave.”
“What?”
But without answering, Maria released my hand and strolled toward the front door. Still very much naked.
Even though it was improper, I couldn’t stop staring. In comparison, I was less than average. My self-confidence plummeted to negative a million.
If I wasn’t sure of their dedication before, then I was certain now. Damen and Titus had not even blinked in her direction. It was almost as if they didn’t care that a naked woman was prancing around the room.
Or that she was going outside—still very much nude.
“Titus…” I inched toward the boys, staring in disbelief at Maria’s backside. I poked the warm body next to mine. “Is that okay? Won’t she get arrested for indecent exposure?”
Titus made a confused sound. I glanced at him, wondering if his reaction might change now that he knew. Perhaps he hadn’t known she was naked before.
But he didn’t appear to be affected at all. In fact, he and Damen exchanged a bored look.
Yes, they were definitely dedicated. The thought was reassuring, but at the same time, I wasn’t certain if the pounding of my heart was from that relief or despair.
Chapter Eleven
Miles
Quiet
“Hello, Miles.” A low, feminine purr broke through my concentration. “I have a question about our report.”
I sighed, cursing silently. I already knew the intruder’s identity. And it was unfortunate, because it was probably the worst time to come face-to-face with her.
Generally, I was a patient person. But with recent events, even I found myself on edge. The fact I had snapped slightly over the weekend was proof of that.
The others warned me the best way to deal with Heather Rais was to be blunt. To be rude. The problem was I was neither one of those things, especially toward a woman—it went against my very nature. Men were much easier to deal with, but I couldn’t stand to see a woman cry. Instead, I’d rather stay silent than say anything hurtful. Something that usually came easily, after years of practice.
In fact, there was only one person who was able to get under my skin enough to make me feel as though I could be honest.
Regardless, she was trying to get my attention. I glanced up, and my gaze locked onto Heather—or someone who sounded just like her.
Despite not wanting to show an inch of interest, I couldn’t hide my surprise at her altered appearance.
Generally, Heather was annoying, but predictable. As she tried to get my attention, she transversed through a number of styles as she tried to pinpoint my preferences. But regardless of every transformation, there was one consistency—her signature hairstyle. A dirty-blonde pixie cut, that she always fashioned to meet the requirements of her new phase.
She had been normal our freshman year. Until I went out with her one time. It was a pity date, because she had been so unsure when she asked me out for dinner. I couldn’t say no. But the date ended in a disaster.
But since then she had been determined to continue our relationship.
It never had been her appearance that put me off, it was her personality. She believed all she had to do was physically seduce a man, and he’d be hers. That wasn’t how attraction worked. I needed honesty and a genuine heart.
