Page 35 of Finders Keep Her
I know part of her attitude is her being more upset with herself. When I told her that I was hurt by her actions instead of being mad, she took that to heart.
“You think I care if I make a scene?” I could give two shits if people stare. You have to care what others think of you, and I don’t. Not when they are random people I’ll never see again.
“That really is a Marino family trait.”
I can’t argue with that. I don’t think War even ponders over what anyone else would think besides his wife. As for my sister, Cosima, she will make a scene and ass of herself if it’s to take attention off a person that doesn’t want it or to make everyone laugh.
“How are you feeling?” I run my hand up and down her back.
“Still worried.” She lets out a sniffle. “I’m falling for you, and if you get…” Ellie trails off, not wanting to say the words out loud.
“Falling? This morning you said you love me.” Ellie jerks back her head, flying up, her eyes locked with mine.
“You were awake?”
“You don’t take a breath that I miss.” I pay attention to everything, especially when it comes to her. It’s how you stay alive. It’s not even a thing I have to remind myself to do. My mind clocks these things all on its own. It’s always been second nature to me.
I can tell you that the brunette barista who took our order and brought our food out is left-handed, didn’t sleep for shit lastnight, and is having an argument with someone on her phone. If I had to guess, it’s a lover.
The blonde who is making the coffee is a struggling college student, which is evident because she was quick to look at how much we tipped, and her right sneaker has a clear piece of tape on it keeping the sole in place.
From the way she handles the pots of coffee, favoring her left hand, which shouldn’t be her dominant hand since she writes with her right hand, I’d guess she broke her right wrist as a kid, and it still tends to ache, having not gotten the proper medical attention it would have needed to heal correctly through surgery.
“Well, you didn’t say it back,” Ellie snips. I’ll have her being a smart-ass over almost crying any day.
“You really don’t want to talk about trying to give me the slip.”
“I did give you the slip. I made it all the way here.”
“Because I let you.” Her lips press into a firm line, but she shifts in my lap. Ellie is always wrestling with her feelings. It would make things easier for her if she just let it happen. She’s not there yet, but I’ll get her there. “Don’t pretend to be mad. You’d be disappointed if I hadn’t found you.” She gives a small nod.
“I think part of me knew you’d come after me. I’m glad you didn’t let me get away. If I’m being honest.” Those tears start to form in her eyes again. “I didn’t want to leave you; I just don’t know what to do.” Ellie buries her face in my neck.
“It’s all right,” I reassure her. Ellie doesn’t let people close for fear of losing them. I’m sure that goes all the way back to her mother dying when she was younger. It has to be hard to be so damn smart and feel powerless to help the person you love.
When I was younger, my mother was kidnapped. I was a kid, and she came home safely, but that fucked with my head too. From a young age, I learned that one should not blindly trust thewords of others. You have to watch them. Their actions will tell you all you need to know about them without ever having to hear them utter a word.
“It’s not all right; I’m tired.” I know she’s not only talking about physically either.
“I know.” I keep running my hand up and down her back until she starts to relax for me. “We will deal with Cyberius. That’s what you want, don’t you?”
I don’t think she knew that was an option, but I’m going to give it to her. “I can’t take him on.”
“Why would you when you have me, and let’s not forget the rest of the Marino family?”
“That would pull everyone in. It’s not their problem.”
“In the few things Z told me, Logic Byte Labs could be everyone’s problem.” If something causes Z to be worried, then it’s more than likely a big issue.
“How the hell do you know so much?” She lifts her head again, her eyes less sad now and more curious. That’s how I want her. I think that’s when her mind is at its best.
“Once I figured out it was this Cyberius dipshit, Z and I started to dig.” Z was supposed to reach out to Bruce to check on a few things. I actually need to check back with him, and it’s been over a week since either Ellie and I have reached out to anyone. I’m sure the girls are freaking out at this point. I’m sure they are driving both Z and War crazy.
“I still can’t believe you walked us both right into a trap.” Her nose scrunches. I can’t help the cocky smile that takes over my face.
“I knew how to lure you in.” And that Cyberius fucker popped right out too, wanting my Ellie. He signed his own death warrant the moment he decided to come for her.
“Don’t be all full of yourself.” She rolls her eyes, but I think a part of her enjoys the fact that I can find her one way or another.
