Page 15 of Pretend
The way he’s moving...it’s dangerous. But not fatal.
He smells of cigarettes, cologne, leather, and more, but maybe it’s just him. I’m flustered, scolding myself to stay still…but the sudden proximity draws me in more, making it hard not to shutter.
He stares at me the entire time, shades of grey-blue dilating as he moves the blade slowly through my hair strands like he’s savoring every single second of being close to me. And it’s so quiet I can hear my heavy breathing and the blade slithering through my hair. I didn’t know a blade could be so loud.
Then, with a flick of his blade and his hands on a patch on my shoulder, he whispers darkly, “Irish Pennant.”
He slices off the leftover linen on my uniform, and crimson flaming red erupts in my cheeks like a volcano at the sound of his deep voice.
His voice...it’s enticing.
Damn him.
“Oh, uh, thanks.” Finally gaining a blip of courage, I scoot away from him, looking down at my shoulder just as the elevator pings and starts to move to the same floor he chose.
Our destination.
I guess personnel managed to fix the elevator and get it moving. Perfect timing.
We both stand up, and I clear my throat, readjusting my hair back into a tight bun. After fixing my hair, I walk in front of him so I can look more presentable for the Admiral. Meanwhile, the masked man puts his knife back into his uniform and puts his hands behind his back.
Not creepy at all.
The elevator doors open a few seconds later, and I expect to walk alone to Ravenmore’s office, but no...the creepy stranger in the elevator follows me.
He keeps a distance behind me, and I peek at him. He’s watching me so intensely that I feel I’ll disappear.
“Are you following me?” I ask him, not bothering to keep my gaze on him as I get closer to Ravenmore’s office.
“Maybe you’re following me.”
I flinch at his response. Pursing my lips, my eyebrows pinched together, I shake my head dubiously.
“Why don’t you answer questions with yes or no’s?! Like a normal person?!”
There’s a pause of silence, and I think I won at getting him to open up to me with an average answer, but then he says.
“Maybe I’m not normal.”
Finally, I’m outside Ravenmore’s office and take a deep breath before entering. I hate being around him. Just the thought of being around Henry Ravenmore makes my skin crawl.
I'm about to reach for the silver doorknob when the masked man twists it open, pushing the door and motioning for me to enter.
I look at him and give him a polite nod. “Thank you.”
I walk into Henry’s office and see his nose deep in paperwork. I know better than to call him by his first name when we’re in uniform. We’re both good at turning our personal relationships on and off when it comes to work and family.
One wall has bookshelves, and it smells like old wood and must. Photos and awards are framed all over, and one picture of my mother is on the wall. This man is completely dedicated to his military career. The last time I checked, he’s been well in over twenty years. I don’t know why he hasn’t retired already.
“Valentín, how’s my stepdaughter? Hopefully, you didn’t go too crazy in that box.” He takes off his reading glasses and slumps in the chair.
“I’m good, sir...just—" I turn my head, catching Hannibal in the corner of the room, looking at the admiral, with his hands behind his back, still. Looking professional, like he’s listening in on a meeting or ready to take orders.
“What’s going on? Why did you call me here? Why is...he here?” I arch a brow in Hannibal’s direction.
“Yeah, about that...That’s Daegan Hannibal. I’m sure you met him when you were stuck in the elevator.” Ravenmore looks at Daegan in the corner. “Operator Creature. The newest asset to the Executioners.”
So I was right!
