Page 163 of Finders Reapers

He nodded, his dark eyes sparkling with something I didn’t understand.

“Sure.” I cleared my throat, tasting blood on my tongue.

“So…” Jamal said casually as he placed the first aid kit on the bar. “Valentina—”

“Why do you keep saying your ex-girlfriend's name?” I pouted as I crossed my arms over my chest.

Maddox sat forward, his gaze sharpening. “I’d like for you to explain who you are.”

My hands flailed as I searched for answers. “I don’t know,” I growled.

Jamal mixed a drink behind the bar and slid it towards me. I eyed it but made no move to take it.

“Problem?” Maddox asked lightly, and I got the impression that he was enjoying himself.

“No.” I gave him my best saccharine smile. I reached for the drink, but my hand shook and the clear liquid sloshed over the rim of the glass. Eventually, I gave up with a sigh.

Fletcher, who had been watching my struggles from the sideline, moved towards the first aid kit. “I’ll help you.” He told me. “That body is a bit banged up.”

“You’re telling me.” I sighed. “I didn’t even mean to slip inside of it; it just kind of happened.”

Fletcher gestured towards one of the bar stools as he opened an antiseptic wipe. “That sucks.” He said emphatically. “Do you remember how you got in the desert?”

Maddox gave him a look.

Fletched ignored him and reached forward to press the wipe to the cut on my hairline. I was lucky that it had healed because the scent of antiseptic fluid was strong enough to make my eyes water. Fletcher wiped the blood away, frowning when he pressed his fingers against the pristine skin under the blood. He was close enough that I could see the color of his eyes. Green with a brown rim around the iris.

“Are we going to tell Rome it might be her?” Jamal kept his voice low, but I still heard his whisper.

“We shouldn’t let Rome get hopeful about this.” Maddox slanted a look at Jamal. “It’s not good for him.”

I cleared my throat and lifted my hand like a child in a classroom. “I have a question.” I gave my fingers a little wiggle.

I thought Maddox would be annoyed, but he seemed more amused than anything. “Sure, go ahead.”

“Are all four of you in a poly-quad?” I cocked my head to the side. My nose tickled, and I twitched it to the side.

Maddox’s eyes widened as he stared at my lips. “You twitched your nose.” He said accusingly.

“It tickled,” I replied defensively. “You didn’t answer my question. You guys never have girls here. You only ever masturbate, and sometimes Jamal and Rome get it on. Or Fletcher and Rome. Or Fletcher and Jamal.” I shot a look at Maddox. “I don’t think I’ve seen your dick in years.”

Jamal shook his head, laughing, as he turned to face the alcohol bottles. “She… hasn’t….seen… your dick… in years!” He gasped through howling bouts of laughter.

I had forgotten that Fletcher sat directly in front of me, and he tapped my jaw to get my attention. “Hey, are you okay?” He tilted his head to the side, concerned.

“I don’t know what’s going on,” I replied in a whisper. I lifted my arm as the bone retreated under the skin, and my skin healed. “I think I’m okay, though?”

“Have you been watching us?” Fletcher’s lip twitched into a smile.

My nose twitched. “No.” I lied.

“There!” Maddox flew to standing, pointing in my face. “Her nose twitched. Valentina’s nose twitches when she’s feeling defensive!”

My back arched away from him. My eyes flicked to Fletcher’s. “I don’t think I’m who you think I am. I’m not even meant to be in this body.” I said, keeping my voice so low that it was barely audible.

“Why don’t you tell me who you are?” Fletcher replied gently.

I shook my head and shrugged. “I’m just here. I’m always here. I’m like air.”

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