Page 27 of Goblins Don't Count
“I want…” I clenched my fists and tried to control my aching heart. I wanted to be free of these chains to him and his people, but at least the price I’d pay kept my brother safe. I’d really thought the goblins would kill him.
He moved closer, eyes softening with concern. “I know that you’re struggling. I can smell your emotions, your panic. I can take you anywhere you want to go, breaking or procuring a ticket, but whatever you do now can’t be undone after you’ve had time to consider the implications. Publicly dating me will cause you problems at work, at home, all over.”
I took a shaky breath and felt like I was going to burst into tears. I didn’t cry. He shouldn’t be gentle with me. Goblins weren’t gentle, but apparently he could pretend to be gentle if he thought it would help him with long-term issues.
I raised my chin. “You just announced that I was your girlfriend. But now you want to keep our whole thing private? No. My mother would rather I date a goblin than I was single, and Lieutenant Joss hired you to come in. You’ve managed to become practically respectable.”
“People hire us, but it’s still the same reaction to a goblin as there always has been and always will be, and with good reason. Many of us are bloodthirsty world-wreckers who have nothing better to do than relish the pain of others.”
“Another warning. That’s you, is it? It doesn’t matter what you’re like when you’re so disciplined. I’m your ticket to staying out of love-prison, so you’ll do your best to keep me vaguely content. I always wanted a boyfriend who didn’t like me.”
“I do like you, Rynne Sato. Your character is admirable. I am not incapable of admiring character.”
I nodded and headed for the door. “Of course it is. My character is so admirable.” It was like the demon with the soul thing. Yes, I’m so grand under the surface. What was wrong with my surface? I didn’t seem horrible looking when I saw my reflection, but I guess nothing said, ‘desirable female who you’ll want to throw away your life to romance.’ Probably didn’t go with the cop job description.
I hesitated, then turned to look at him over my shoulder. He had followed me out, still holding the tuxedo.
“Do you mind paying for my dress? I want to get something really expensive.”
He shook his head, frowning slightly. “Rynne, I own the bank. Money isn’t an issue.” He came towards me and handed me a black card.
I looked at it and then up at him. “What’s this?”
“Whatever you want.”
“Other than freedom.”
His smile was bitter. “Freedom is usually an illusion. Someone always has to pay for it.”
I took the card and turned around, marching out of his office like I had somewhere to go.
ChapterNine
Clarinda was ecstatic to see me. At least she was happy about the credit card.
“I want to look like an irresistible goddess. I’m tired of being complimented for my character.”
She raised her brows. “Do people do that?”
“All the time.”
“Should I be offended that no one ever compliments mine? All anyone says to me that’s positive has to do with my sausage rolls.”
“They’re basically life-changing. Make me as irresistible as one of your sausage rolls.”
Her eyes narrowed. Today one was blue and one was red, to match the stripes in her hair. I’m not sure if she was going for patriotic or just creepy. “Do you want me to use magic?”
“Could you?” That was a surprise. As far as I knew, her magic was as minimal as mine.
She shrugged and chewed on her nail. “Who do you want to find you attractive?”
“A goblin, I guess.”
“A goblin? You’re turning into one and you’re dating one? Are you going to move into the goblin city and open a booth at the goblin market?”
I sniffed. “Maybe. Anyway, what can you do to me?”
“I can do anything, but should I? Yes, I should. Goblins are entranced by scents and textures, particularly silk and leather. Your energy is way off today. Reckless. You feel reckless. Are you sure you should come here with that card when you’re feeling like that?”
