Page 18 of Ashes and Lilies
Maria, who had been sipping her drink, suddenly choked. Her face turned red, and she dropped her glass as she began to cough uncontrollably.
“Maria!” I jumped to my feet and began to pound on her back. “I’m so sorry!”
I couldn’t believe such a stupid question left my mouth. Perhaps it was a sensitive topic. I was completely clueless about these things.
After a moment, the small crowd that had gathered around us dispersed as it became apparent Maria would be all right. Even so, I continued to pet her back until she breathed normally once again.
I wasn’t sure what to say—her near-death experience was distressing. She blamed me. That much was obvious in thewide-eyed stare she leveled in my direction as I returned to my seat.
I had ruined everything. I wanted to cry, but I could wallow later. “I’m sorry,” I repeated, toying with my sleeve. I sucked at talking. “I didn’t realize the thing with Titus was a secret. He’s so tall, I thought that gigantism might run in his family or something.”
The shocked look fled from her expression in a blink. Instead, her face filled with something unreadable. “You were referring to his height?”
“Yes…” I answered, confused. “I thought it might be rude to ask him personally, so I figured you might know.”
Maria hummed, about to respond, but the bartender arrived to replace her drink. After a short lull in our conversation, she began to speak as she traced her fingers around the rim of her glass. “He isn’t all that tall. Six-five is on the shorter end of his family line, but there’s a lot to be said about that. However, he does work out obsessively. So that could make him appear larger.”
In what world was six-five not that tall? Especially compared to my very own five-foot-one. I couldn’t even imagine. But feeling empowered by her response, I continued, “What about the others? Why is everyone so big?”
“They’re really not.” Maria smiled at me. “Those who have supernatural abilities tend to be a bit taller than the average person. You’re just short. I like you. We’re going to be good friends.”
I clasped my hands in front of me, unable to contain my glee. I had successfully landed my very first female friend.
“So, on a more serious note,” Maria said, leaning forward. I found myself holding my breath in anticipation. “What are your thoughts on WWE?”
Yes. I smiled. This would be a most well-paired friendship indeed.
It wasafter midnight when Maria dropped me off at Damen’s house, and I’d barely made it through the front door before Miles greeted me.
“Bonsoir, ma petite douceur. Welcome back,” he said, grinning.
“Hello,” I told him, allowing him to take my coat. What was he still doing awake? “You waited for me?”
“Of course,” he replied. Was it just me, or was there a hint of worry clouding his eyes? He gestured down the hallway and added, “I thought you might want a snack before going to sleep.”
I glanced into Damen’s living room as we walked past, my heart longing for the welcoming couch and fluffy pillows. But who could pass up free food?
Miles led me into the kitchen, his gaze lingering on me as I climbed onto a stool. He placed a napkin with two small cookies and a pink mug filled with light liquid in front of me on the stone countertop.
My arms were still sore from the earlier hustle and bustle, and my hand shook as I lifted the drink to my lips. It was sweet and smooth, and it did wonders to settle the edges of my frayed nerves.
“What is this?” I asked as the warmth spread through me.
“It’s lavender milk tea,” Miles replied. His eyes dropped to the cookies. “And those are lemon rosemary shortbread cookies. They’ll help settle your nerves and get some sleep. It seems like they did a number on you.”
“Huh?” I blinked at him. Who?
Miles dipped his head to the left. “The hyenas,” he answered.He allowed his gaze to move from my face to my arms. “You’ve been running low on luck lately.”
I glanced down at my forearms, noting that I’d acquired a new bruise.
“Oh,” I said and picked up a cookie. I nibbled on a corner. “That was from when Damen squished me into the wall. It wasn’t on purpose”—I noted the lift of his brow—“and I’m a fast healer. It’ll clear up soon.”
Miles pursed his lips. A dark look passed over his features, but it was gone as quickly as it’d come.
“What?” I asked. Had I done something wrong?
He shook his head, then changed the subject. “So, you got back later than I expected. Did Maria take you to a bar after all?”
