Page 27 of King of Tides

I couldn’t ignore him if I wanted to. I move over close to him and settle into his side. He’s warm but cool at the same time. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s almost like sitting next to a warm spring while a breeze is blowing.

He wraps his arm around me as he puffs at the joint. I allow myself to relax and wonder what it would be like if I had someone to let my guard down with. I don’t know how to let someone take care of me.

However, I wouldn’t mind trying with this guy. I’m totally thrown by my train of thought. The last thing I need is to fall into some relationship.

I’m going to need my focus to help take down Candido Ricci. Nothing can get in the way of that mission. He’s going to pay.

“I should probably go,” Ardan says, jolting me out of my thoughts.

I look up at him in confusion. That is not what I was expecting him to say after my confession and him drawing me in close.

“Um … you don’t have to.”

“I should though. I have some business to handle in the morning and you should get some rest. When this stuff hits, you’re going to pass out anyway. I want you to lock up behind me before you fall out.”

I get angry that he doesn’t want to stay. Just when I am ready to let my guard down, he’s rejecting me. This is why I take care of myself.

“Yeah, fine. Thanks for everything,” I bite out.

“Billy, I?—”

“You don’t owe me anything. See you around.”

He clamps his mouth shut and stands. I pull back into myself and shut down. I don’t need him and one night isn’t going to miraculously make us the perfect match. He can go.

“I’ll see you around,” he says as he nods to himself and turns for the door.

I stand to follow him to lock up. Anger fills me as tears sting the backs of my eyes. He turns to look down at me as we reach the door.

“Billy—”

“Good night, Ardan.”

He sighs heavily. “Good night, Billy.”

Unexpected Guests

“Do you need anything? How are you feeling this morning?” I ask as Kai enters my office.

“I’m fine. Still a bit shaken up. Güç only worked for us for a few weeks. Why would she give up her life for me? What was she doing there? Better yet, what was she that I didn’t know she was a super, and where did her body go? Could she have been some type of fairy?”

“All great questions. It’s not uncommon for some to hide their identity when it comes to lower-level others. No offense.”

Kai wouldn’t have felt what Bradan and I were able too. I can’t blame her for not knowing she had an other around who was hiding their identity. It really wasn’t her place to.

“None taken. Amadeus said I could hire help while he was gone. I thought she was a human.”

“This is my fault. I was supposed to tell you she wasn’t about two weeks ago. Reilly and I are going to head down to the warehouse to see what we can learn. I will inform Amadeus of what’s going on.”

“What about Candido? He wants to get in touch with Amadeus in order to strike a deal up because you guys will never agree to what he’s asking for,” Kai says with concern in her voice.

I scoff. “He won’t have to worry about what we won’t agree to. He’s cut off. No one under our charge is to do anything for him. No one,” I say firmly.

“I’m fine with that. Fucking prick was going to shoot me in the head. He’s lucky I don’t break into his place and put Octo poison in his food.”

“Not a bad idea. Let’s keep that on the table for now,” I chuckle.

I would love to watch Candido take his last breath. I don’t care for his brother either. He fears us too much to summon us as much as his brother does, but he has asked for things in the past.

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