Page 27 of Guarded By the Phantom

Barbara wasn’t one of those girls. If I tried to kiss her, she would probably hurl up her breakfast all over me. The squirmy feeling in my heart grew in power, becoming a slimy little itch. With every second I spent looking into her belligerent face that was so heinously close to mine, it grew stronger, until I couldn’t stand it.

I covered her face with my palm, pushing her away. It took maybe two seconds before she threw my hand off, hissing in fury, but I relished it to the fullest. Her face was so small, I couldalmost cover it with my palm. And now, my mind was stuck on proportions, and I watched her mouth speculatively, wondering if she could take all of me.

Goddammit.It was like my brain was against me, too.

She made an indignant sound, righting her cap that almost fell off her head. I breathed in relief when she kept her distance. Her furious glare turned into a full-on glower, and I suspected she was plotting my murder.

“I was just trying to help you,” I said, attempting damage control. “You asked me to. Next time, deal with your admirers yourself.”

She shook her head, throwing her hands in frustration. “Admirers? He was just excited to talk about the library, and I didn’t know how to interrupt him without being rude. All I wanted was for you to come over and say we needed to go!”

I stared at her, wondering whether she was joking or just delusional. But Barbara looked sincere, her frustration almost palpable.

“That guy was hitting on you,” I told her slowly, watching if my words sank in. “I thought you wanted me to stop him from flirting with you.”

She gave me an offended look, as if she thought I lied to her. “Please. That wasn’t flirting. He just wanted someone who’d listen to him. I’m a good listener, mainly because I almost never talk.”

“Yeah? Could have fooled me.”

I wanted to say something more about how I thought she was a total moron for not noticing when a man was into her, but a ghoul woman wearing a pencil skirt and a severe expression rounded the corner, giving us a penetrating look. Barbara shoved her sunglasses back on her nose and went over to the reading room, swiping her card on the digital lock. The door buzzed open, and we entered.

Unable to help myself, I leaned in and took a sniff of her hair. I couldn’t have her, I knew, but since she was stuck with me, no one would keep me from taking what I could.

Chapter 10

Barbara

Iknew I had to ignore my bodyguard to stay sane, but it was hard. He trailed after me, so close, I felt phantom caresses on my back and nape even though he didn’t actually touch me. It was the air he stirred with his movements brushing against my skin and making me tingle. I was hyper-aware of him at every moment.

The reading room was almost empty, which didn’t help the matters. Walking among the high bookshelves, it felt at times like we were alone, and my heart kept racing uncomfortably. I was ridiculously nervous, my palms sweating.

“Here,” I sighed with relief, spotting the book.

It was the only comprehensive study of mind-manipulating species, and the library had one copy, which couldn’t be borrowed. The only way to access it was by reading it right here. It was out of print, too, so I couldn’t buy it.

I took it off the shelf, glancing at the faded lettering of the title.Mind Manipulation: Risks and Opportunities.

“Is that what we’re here for?” Phantom asked quietly, his face right by my ear.

I jumped, startled by his proximity. Heat slid down my nape, followed by a wave of gooseflesh.

“Yes. It’s the only copy they have.”

Before I could react, he pulled the book out of my hands. “Awesome! Since my assistant hasn’t completed his report yet, I’ll read this to get ready. Great job finding this, doll.”

“What?!” I exclaimed in indignation. Someone in the next aisle shushed me aggressively.

“This is mine! Give it back!” I whispered as loudly as I could.

Phantom raised his arm high, holding the book out of my reach.

“Come and get it, shorty.”

I stared at him, struck completely dumb by his audacity. I wasn’t even that short, but that was beyond the point. I had no idea how to react.

In all my life, no one hadevertreated me this way. I was at a loss. Was I supposed to try to jump and take the book from him? That would be ridiculous. We weren’t children, for God’s sake.

“Give it back. It’s my book,” I demanded, keeping my voice low.

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