Page 8 of The Player
“That’s why I always carry my knife,” I shot back. “Like I said before, you never know who’s lurking.”
He chuckled and shook his head, staring down at the pavement and then looking back at me from beneath lashes that were way too long and pretty for a man.
“What?” He shrugged his shoulders. “No,‘Thank you for coming to check on me?’or‘I appreciate you putting my safety so high on your agenda for this evening, Will?’” His face bobbed in front of mine as he spoke, irritating me and reminding me why I shouldn’t be horny. He could be an asshole sometimes.
“Like I just said”—I smiled sweetly and completely falsely back at him—“thanks for stopping by. Thank you for watching my car and thanks for leaning against it while I was a street away, visiting my mum’s house.”
“Why are you parked here, anyway? I thought you still lived at your mum’s?”
“I’m staying at Kate’s while she’s away backpacking across Europe. I’m watering the plants, eating her food, using her electricity. I’m doing my sisterly duties. Plus, its six months living rent free.”
He nodded, like what I’d said made perfect sense, and then asked, “Does that mean I can get a lift home?”
He was really pushing his luck.
“You came all this way to watch me walk to my car so I could drive you home?” I was moments away from getting into my car and leaving his ass behind.
“No. I came to give you this.” He pulled a black envelope from his pocket and thrust it towards me.
“What is it?” I asked, taking it from him and turning it over in my hand. “Is this a list of all the asshole things you have planned for me? Your fucked-up agenda?”
“There’s no agenda,” he replied. “I’m just naturally gifted at pissing you off. Now stop stalling and open it.”
I huffed, ripped the envelope open, and then slipped out the black card that was inside. It wasn’t easy to see what was written on it in the dark street, so I took my mobile phone out and used the torch to illuminate the letters that were embossed in gold.
In a world where nothing is quite as it seems,
we invite you to become anything you want to be.
The Sanctuary is holding its Annual Masked Ball, and you are one of the chosen ones.
Be there, Saturday, October 26that 8pm.
Are you ready to find out what lies behind the mask?
“You came all this way to give me this?” I waved the card in front of me. “I’ve already had one off Shelley and Colton.” I could see the expectation and excitement that was shining in his eyes turn to a flicker of disappointment that he quickly hid.
He was like a kid at Christmas sometimes, and despite myself, I felt bad for not reacting in the way he’d clearly hoped I would.
“I mean, it’s nice of you to make sure I’m invited,” I said, backtracking. “But I already have been, so…”
“Not by me you haven’t.” He shrugged, kicking the ground like it meant nothing.
“Great. I’ll check my diary and see if I’m free that night.”
I was free.
I’d already bought my outfit.
“Oh, you’ll be free,” he stated, staring back at me, an evil glint now shining in his eyes. “Otherwise, I’ll bring the party to you.”
“And what if I bring a date with me?” I couldn’t help but tease him.
“Cool.” He grinned wide. “I’m sure he’ll love our unique way of welcoming unwanted guests. I think Devon is itching to put his katana sword to good use again.”
I ignored the threat involving his fellow soldier, Devon, and smiled back at him.
“Who said it’d be a guy?” I noticed the heat in his eyes flaring as he thought about what kind of welcome that might entail. I doubt Devon, the weapons expert of the group, would need to use his armoury if that were the case. “Jeez, you’re so fucking predictable, Will,” I said, shaking my head.
