Page 49 of Ashes and Lilies
Why would I leave this glorious place?
“Thank you!” I told him, walking to the other end of the table and leaving him behind.
He chuckled but didn’t say another word as he left me by the window.
After a few moments, the desire to explore almost overrode the contentment of remaining with the cutest rosebuds known to mankind. To be honest, I was tempted to steal them. It would be so easy. The door was right there, and Julian’s car was nearby.
Didn’t Miles say that fae were held to a different standard of rule?
Regardless, I would still feel guilty. I didn’t want to be a bad person. There was no price on them, but it didn’t matter anyway. I had no money.
My only income had been my potential earnings from house-sitting and my allowance from my parents and Finn—both of which were bound to be history at this point.
This sucked. I had to think of a way to earn a living.
My mood darkened as I trudged down the aisle. A small, blonde woman, not watching where she was going, was moving toward me. Her focus was on the paper-bagged bundle in her arms instead. When it was clear that she hadn’t noticed me, Imoved to stand against the plants, but it wasn’t enough, and her shoulder bumped against mine. The impact caused her to jostle her arms.
She gasped, stumbling slightly, and stopped the bag from falling. Once she’d regained her balance, she turned to me, her eyes flashing. “Be careful! You could have broken this!”
She was right. I should have made sure she had more room. “I’m sorry—”
“You ran into her,” a familiar voice interjected. “You should be the one apologizing.”
Norman stood some feet away, leaning against the end of the row.
“You’re still stalking me?” The woman groaned, glaring at the redheaded man. “I told you I don’t need your help.”
Norman shrugged. “I’ve been given a job to do, and by the powers that be, I will perform that job to the best of my ability. I won’t risk losing my position because you won’t cooperate.”
Wow, Norman had been busy. And not only that, but he also seemed to hate this lady more than he hated me. In fact, I was almost touched that he kind of stood up for me just now. Perhaps our working relationship wasn’t doomed after all.
“I don’t care who told you to follow me.” The woman—who could only be Michelle Nolan—narrowed her eyes as she hugged the package to her chest. “And even if I happen to be targeted next, that’s my business.”
Norman crossed his arms. “Is that what you think?”
I glanced between them. Norman looked annoyed, and Michelle was angry. Perhaps this was my opportunity to get on Norman’s good side.
Turning my attention to Michelle, I braced myself to play the role of mediator.
“Damen did tell him to follow you,” I explained. “I was there.They care about people and want to protect them. Think about it this way: Norman is Damen’s sidekick. If you help, you’ll see justice prevail.”
Michelle was unimpressed. “I still don’t care.” She turned from us and moved toward the door. “Stay away,” she called back, addressing Norman.
Norman didn’t respond to her, nor did he follow her.
Instead, he was staring at me as if I’d grown another head.
I stepped back. “What?”
“Are you trying to embarrass me?” He sounded incredulous but not hostile. “Or are you that naïve? I don’t know what to think.”
What did he mean? Although this sudden camaraderie made sense, considering his feelings toward his employer. It appeared my defense of Damen had touched his heart.
And why had I helped him? Clearly, Norman was the better assistant. Yet that didn’t feel right.
If anyone had the right to work with Damen, it was me.
Even so, as I studied the man, I couldn’t see myself hating him—not like Bryce. Instead, I felt sad for him and wasn’t sure why.
