Page 8 of Licking Fire

“She wishes to leave when she’s soaked to the bone and injured. She came here to speak to me, so it must be urgent, yet she says nothing and wants to run off. No. I forbid it. She will remain.”

She took a small step back. “You forbid it?”

Timothy rubbed his brow. “Sir, if I may.”

“Oh, what am I doing wrong now?” demanded Rayer, tossing his hands in the air.

“Speaking,” answered the older man. “Stop talking, sir. You’re inserting your foot in your mouth.”

“I will not allow her to leave when she’s clearly hurt and requires assistance.”

“I’m fine,” she said, trying to put on a happy face. “I’m sorry to have bothered you.”

“Prove you’re fine,” said Rayer, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

She jerked back. He couldn’t be serious. “Huh?”

“Show me your arm,” he stated evenly.

“I’m not going to show you my arm.”

“Then you shall remain here.” He planted his feet wide and gave her a look that dared her to try to get past him. She couldn’t be sure, but his expression said he’d go caveman on her and toss her over his shoulder if she didn’t listen. He looked strong enough to do it.

“You can’t just keep me here,” she said, her voice rising.

Timothy sighed. “Miss, please. Mr. Drackos is simply concerned for you. That in itself isn’t really normal for him. He rarely shows concern for anyone. Humor an old man, and allow us to look at your arm and get something warm in your belly. My office is right through that door, and my condo is adjacent to it. I promise you’re safe here.”

She glanced at the large windows near the door to the building, and a choked laugh came from her. “I’m not safe anywhere in this city.”

“I think you’ll find this building is quite safe,” said Timothy, reaching out for her. “Let me take your coat and allow us to see to your well-being. Besides, I very much want to see Mr. Drackos continue to show concern for others.”

Rayer huffed, still standing as if he were an unmovable mountain that no one would be getting past. “I’m starting to like you less and less, old friend.”

“A cross I’m willing to bear,” said Timothy with a smile.

Reluctantly, Alondra began to remove her jacket, wincing in pain as she tried to get it off her bad arm. Timothy stepped closer and assisted. He went slowly, and then sucked in a large breath as he peeled the jacket downward. She looked to find the sleeve of her sweater was soaked with blood.

“Miss?” asked Timothy, his voice low. “What happened?”

She trembled more. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

He cast a speculative glance at Rayer. “You’d be surprised at what we’ll believe. Come on. Let’s get you into something dry and your wounds tended to.”

Something struck one of the massive windows and Alondra screamed, instinctually launching herself at Rayer. He caught her and held her against him, his arms moving around her in a protective manner. She clung to him, her entire body filled with fear.

“Shh, look,” he said, the timbre of his voice moving over her. “It’s only children throwing snowballs.”

She peeked out to find snow splattered on the window and a group of adolescent children running together, throwing snowballs at one another. Closing her eyes, she kept her body pressed to Rayer’s, feeling safe for the first time in weeks. She put a hand on his chest and then raised her head, looking up at him.

“Want me to eat them?” he asked, his expression deadpan.

Eat them?

Timothy sighed. “No eating children.”

Alondra smiled at the odd conversation.

“You take all the fun out of everything,” said Rayer to Timothy.

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