Page 75 of Heat & Deceit
“What about lightning? It’s dangerous.”
“Without lightning, things in our world would fall apart.”
She considers that. “Is that true?”
I nod. “A lot of people take it for granted. They don’t understand it.”
“And how does that someone make you feel?” Ms. Emberly hedges. She’s good.
The darkness that clouds her features whenever she’s remembering something horrible is like the clouds forming in the sky. The way her eyes soften when she’s trying to figure me out thickens the air. Her frustration charges the atmosphere. Her huffs of annoyance strike like lightning. And her smile...
“She is the rain.”
And I’m terrified she hates me.
Twenty-One
NOVA
It’s been twelve days since the incident with Lycus. He hasn’t come back to work, and with every day that passes, I grow more worried. Rome and Javier rotate management shifts for the next week, and every shift I work, they force me to take breaks and make me dark chocolate mochas. They bring me food. They ask me questions, and I keep my answers brief and try not to get sucked into conversation.
With Randal, it’s easy to keep things superficial. With this pack? It’s almost impossible. Somehow, I always end up saying more than I should. During a slow afternoon shift, where it’s just me and Javi, I break.
“Where is he?” I ask, storming into the office.
Javier glances up from his phone. “Who?”
I glower. “You know who.”
Setting his phone on the desk, he leans back, locking his arms behind his head. “Why?”
“Because...” I bristle and huff, “Is he okay?”
“Ly is fine.” Javier’s gaze travels over my face. “You’re worried.”
“He was really drunk,” I explain with a shake of my head. “I thought maybe something had happened.”
“And would that bother you?”
“Of course, it would bother me.” I drop my hands on my hips and step toward the desk.
Javier’s focus moves to my hips. “Why?”
“Why do you keep asking questions?” I ask with more attitude than is appropriate when talking to your employer.
“You like him,” Javier says with a chuckle, leaning forward to rest his forearms on the desk. “You like Lycus.”
“What are we, twelve? I care about his well-being. He signs my checks.”
Javier lifts an eyebrow. “You’re a terrible liar.”
“Well, you’re being a butthead.” I slap my hand over my mouth and widen my eyes. Did I say that aloud? He’s smiling at me like I’m unhinged. Crap, I said that out loud. “I’m so sorry.”
“No, don’t apologize.” His eyes sparkle with mirth. “Tell me how you really feel.”
I narrow my eyes. “Are you going to fire me?”
“Why would I fire you?”
