Chapter 34 #2
“Incredible,” he whispered, clearly deep in thought.
I looked at him. It had been so long since I’d seen him. I missed the face that stared back at me, the one that was laced with that mysterious curiosity that used to drive me mad. Now it threatened to push me over the edge.
“I guess that’s one way to describe it,” I murmured, hiding my flushed cheeks.
“Fia. This is a dangerous ability, and it comes with a lot of risks. You can’t tell anyone about it.
I’m serious. You need to convince your friends that what they saw wasn’t real.
I know it’s going to be hard, but you never truly know who you can trust. We all learn that the hard way.
In some form or another.” His eyes were burning holes into the side of my face.
“I”ll try. I’ll make sure they don’t perpetuate it, at least,” I said, bringing my gaze back to him. A part of me wanted to reach out and touch him, but I suddenly noticed how dark it had gotten in the room.
“Erm–I have to go. It’s getting late,” I mumbled, standing. Fuck. Osta’s celebration would be starting any minute.
“Where are you going?” He stood as well, concerned etched into his features.
“Osta got a job with Lady Soleil–thanks for that, by the way. But Raine is throwing her a party in celebration. I can’t miss it.”
Laryk pursed his lips, clearly trying to come up with a valid objection.
“I need to talk to them, like you said,” I reassured him, reaching back to grab my bag.
“Where are you going to tell them that you’ve been? This conversation never happened. We don’t have a training session scheduled for today. I’m not taking any risks,” he stated, raising an eyebrow.
“What do you suggest I say?” I responded, crossing my arms .
He walked toward the mirrors, rubbing his chin.
After a few moments, he turned and faced me. “Tell them that Lieutenant Mercer sent you to sign some paperwork that got looked over on your first day. By the time you were done, the session was over, so you went shopping.”
I nearly laughed.
“Shopping?” I said, “Really?”
“Yes, Fia. Shopping. You clearly don’t have time to go home and change. You’re wearing the same training leathers from earlier. It’s been at least two hours.”
“I’m confused,” I admitted, squinting my eyes and shifting my weight.
“Go to the back and clean up. I’ll be right back,” he said, turning towards the front door.
“Wait–”
“Clean up. Now,” he ordered without giving me another glance.
Soon enough, I was stepping out of the shower. I couldn’t deny how good it felt to be clean after Mercer’s agonizing training session.
I glanced over at the counter, noticing a few bottles and jars I didn’t remember seeing. I walked over, examining them. Hair products… makeup… perfume? I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, only to find that there was a dress hanging on the shelf behind me. That certainly wasn’t here before.
Did he come in here while I was in the shower? No boundaries at all...
Heat pricked my skin, but I couldn’t waste time getting lost in pointless daydreams.
I squeezed my hair the best I could using the towel, but there was no way it would be dry before I arrived at the lounge. I eyed the products on the counter and reached for one of the bottles. It was some kind of styling cream.
I took a deep breath and brushed it through my hair, pushing the strands behind the points of my ears. My curls weren’t used to being weighed down by product, but the cream was working well enough.
My hair looked sleek, save for a few bumps that I couldn’t get rid of at the top.
I grabbed the charcoal pencil that– wait, did he really just go buy all of this? I rolled my eyes, thinking about all the times he’d probably done similar things for his lovers in the past. My stomach churned. But that wasn’t our situation. This was just a cover-up.
I shook the thoughts from my mind and lined my eyes. It still didn’t look perfect, but I had improved since the last time I’d made the attempt back in Raine’s room at the Compound.
I hurried over to the dress.
It was tight . Not even zipped up the back yet, it was already unbelievably fitted. I knew every contour of my body would be exposed.
The neckline was square, held up by two straps that ran over my shoulders.
It stopped a good bit before my ankles, and it wasn’t until I took a step forward that I noticed the high slit running down my left leg.
I rolled my eyes. He actually thought my friends would believe I bought this for myself.
I reached around to zip it but to no avail. I couldn’t reach the clasp. I clicked my teeth and grabbed the matching shoes before marching out the door. I didn’t give myself time to consider another approach.
Laryk sat on the bench across the gym, laying back with his ankles crossed. His eyes seemed to go molten when he saw me.
“Well, don’t you look ravishing.” His voice was low, almost raspy as he stood to admire his dress choice. I ignored the heat that shot through me with his words. I didn’t have time for it.
I forced an eye-roll. “Can you zip this for me? ”
“Spin around,” he said with a giant smirk.
In an instant, his hands were on my back, searching for the zipper. He was standing so close that I could feel his breath on my neck.
“I like your hair like this,” he whispered, his lips nearly grazing my ear as I felt the dress tighten around me even further. His hand lingered on my shoulder before he stepped away, sending shivers up my spine.
“Well, I didn’t have much of a choice, seeing how it was dripping wet only moments ago.” I sighed, leaning down to slip on the… were these even shoes?
“Well, I have to get going–erm–thanks for all of this. I can pay you back for the dress,” I said, avoiding the eyes now scanning my entire body.
“Nonsense. It’s a gift. Black suits you,” His gaze remained on me a moment too long. A part of me wanted to reach out. To touch him.
“I have noticed your preference for the color,” I murmured, finally cutting my eyes.
“I’ll leave a few moments after you. Have fun tonight. And remember everything we talked about. I’ll make sure Mercer is aware of the plan.”
I nodded, pausing. “And thank you… for…”
“Not killing you?” he whispered with a wicked grin.
“Yes, that.” I rolled my eyes before stepping out into the street.
It was a miracle I didn’t fall the second my heel met the uneven cobblestone.