Page 14 of Cinder's Trial

“No.” It might have emerged a tad vehemently.

“Why not?”

The question took me by surprise. “My personal life is none of your business.”

He gripped the steering wheel tight as he muttered through a gritted jaw. “You’re right, It’s not.”

Since he had opened that door, though… “Do you have a significant other?”

“No. Never will.”

“Why not?” I asked, parroting him.

To which he aped me. “My personal life is none of your business.”

For some reason, that made me giggle.

“What’s so funny?” he groused.

“You and I. It’s obvious we don’t like each other.”

“What makes you say that?”

“For one, you’re always grouchy around me.” I’d never seen the man smile.

“And you’re snippy.”

Was I? “I would have called it assertive, which for me is a big step. I used to be a regular doormat. Partly due to my upbringing, partly due to the Grimm Effect trying to shape me for its curse. It’s not easy for me to say no to people.”

“You seem to have no problem with me.”

I couldn’t help a grin. “I’m trying to be better about not letting people walk all over me, even if they’re bigger and meaner.”

“Bigger, yes, but I wouldn’t say I’m mean.” He sounded offended.

“I’ve read your file. You’re not a man with much compassion.”

“You seem to forget that I’m only called in to deal with dire situations, which usually require drastic measures. I’m the sword that cuts off the head of the monster so people like you can be safe.”

“This mission must be a shock to the system then. No one to kill,” I quipped.

“Yet,” was his ominous reply.

“This is my place.” I pointed to the old, converted Victorian with its three, sprawling stories.

“Big house for one person.”

“Oh, it’s not mine. I rent out the attic.” As I hopped out of his SUV, I expected him to drive off, but, no, he followed me to the outdoor staircase that climbed at a steep angle.

“This must be hell in winter,” he stated, as the structure groaned with every step he took.

“I salt the treads often.”

I reached the landing, a cramped space that gave me a heck of a time when I had the delivery guys bring me a couch. I whirled to say thanks, only to find myself once more practically pressed against Levi’s chest.

For some reason, my pulse raced. “Um, you can go now.”

“I will after I check inside for any threats.”

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