Page 28 of Thor

“No. Up here.”

Elle licked her lips. She hadn’t dared to venture out anywhere besides the corner grocer. “Okay.”

Thor nodded. “Good.”

“What should I wear?”

“Whatever you want. But definitely pants.”

She nodded. “Till tomorrow night.”

“Tomorrow.”

Elle touched her pocket and shook her head. “I think I left my keys downstairs at the bar.”

Thor gripped the door handle. “I can open it for you.”

“No, don’t break—”

The door swung inward.

“Guess you forgot to lock it.”

Elle stared into her loft. Had she forgotten to lock it? She didn’t think so. She never had before. But maybe...

“Do you want me to make sure it’s safe?”

She shook her head. “No. I’m sure you’re right.”

She stepped into the loft. Again, a chill raced over her, but nothing moved. She did a quick inventory of the room and nothing seemed out of place. Chairs pushed into the table. Couch pillows where she’d put them. Counter clean. Dishes put away. Nothing moved and everything seemed to be exactly where she had left it.

“Are you sure you’re alright?”

Elle spun around and threw a smile on her face. “Yes, thank you.”

He nodded but he scanned the apartment once more, his dark gaze flashing for a moment. “Goodnight then, Elle.”

“Thor.”

He closed the door and darkness and silence shrouded her. She stared at the door for several minutes, not moving, waiting. Waiting for someone to jump out at her. Waiting... for a sound or a smell or something... But nothing came.

CHAPTER9

Elle inspectedherself in the mirror and fiddled with her blouse. Emerald had always been a nice color on her, but somehow it looked better on her in the light of Midgard. Back on Muspelheim everything had been tainted by the yellowish orange hues. But Midgard had no such problem. She smoothed down her black slacks and slipped on her new ballet flats.

She sorted through the different items she’d bought at the drugstore. Various colors of powders and creams and liquids meant to enhance her features, but she had no idea how to use them. Finally, she picked out a gold powder and dusted it over her eyelids and cheeks. Surprised with the slightly glowy look it gave her, she decided to try the tube of light peachy liquid. As she smoothed the sticky goo on her lips, again she found herself pleasantly pleased with the outcome.

A knock sounded on her door making her jump. She looked at the clock. He was five minutes early, again. She appreciated that about him. On Muspelheim all she’d done was wait. Another way for her father to remind her she was less important than he was.

She slipped on her shoes and grabbed her coat. She threw a smile on her face and opened the door.

Her face fell.

“Going somewhere?” asked Val.

Elle sighed. “Yes. I’m going to dinner.”

Val leaned against the doorjamb. “Anyone I know?”

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