Page 38 of The Spider Queen
I turned down Bull Street and found a parking spot across the street from my apartment. Skipping up the porch steps, I had my keys in hand. The apartment was quiet, and I was grateful. It was easier to dodge Anita than to explain.
The falsehoods were piling up. I felt sick every time I told one, but the lies were easier than the truth—a truth she wouldn’t be able to stomach. Anita was dramatic on a good day. Anything I shared with her about what was going on would just escalate the situation.
I entered my room and looked at Thane. He was in the same position as he’d been in when I’d left—I’d flipped the cube over so he was upright, his legs still clutching the stone.
Crouching, I peered into Thane’s unblinking eyes.Are you dead?
How could we talk if I were dead?Amusement crept into his tone.
Can you see me?
Of course.
Why can’t you move? Or blink?
I heard him sigh.
Fine. I’ll add that to the list of questions I’ll never get answers to.
You’ll get answers,he promised,just not when you want them or expect them.
Typical.
I’m going to go take a shower. I would appreciate it if when I come back, you close your little spider eyes—or do whatever you can not to look. Just give me some privacy.
I heard him laugh.
All right, Poppy. All right.
Feeling better that a spider wouldn’t be leering at me, I headed to the bathroom. I showered quickly and then I ducked back into my room just as I heard the key in the lock.
Anita was home.
I have to cool the conversation for a bit, I told Thane.My cousin’s home and—
Say no more.
I also have a date tonight.
When Thane said nothing for a good few minutes, I mentally reached out.Thane?
Nothing. Great. I had a jealous spider on my hands. This just kept getting weirder and weirder. Some twisted brand of erotica.
Arachnerotica. I snorted.
“Poppy?” Anita called out. “You home?”
“Yeah!” I yelled back, putting my head through the T-shirt.
“Can I come in?”
“Door’s unlocked.”
Anita came into my room and sat down on my bed. “Did you drive my car? It’s parked in a different spot.”
“Yeah. Sorry. Forgot to text you.”
“All good.” She peered at me. “You look better than you did this morning. What did you do today? Nap?”
