Page 37 of Curses & Keys
My surprise must be apparent because when I catch Gatlin’s gaze in the rearview mirror, there’s the slightest hint of satisfaction in his eyes. When I wink at him, his expression immediately slides into its usual scowl.
Intrigued by the exterior, I hop out of the vehicle and follow him into his home. The brown brick extends to the interior walls, but the bright blue casing is gone.
From the light wood floors to the white beams in the ceiling, the bright and airy interior has been completely renovated. Patio doors at one end of the long living room lead out to an extensive balcony. From beyond the railing, I see a small courtyard.
I turn toward the other end of the room and gasp. The large windows I saw on the exterior frame the living room from floor to ceiling, extending the view from the inside to the outside. Light pours through their wide openings, drenching the room in the warmth of the sun and bringing an open and peaceful feeling to the space.
I slowly walk around the room, admiring how the tan and white furnishings continue the airy theme. White wooden bookshelves stand tall against the brick and are full of worn books, framed pictures, and small mementos. I lean in to study a snapshot of a younger Gatlin standing in front of a pyramid in Egypt with a broad smile on his face. The carefree expression looks good on him, better than his usual permanent scowl.
Feeling a presence behind me, I swivel around. “You should smile more often.”
Gatlin is leaning silently against the wall watching me. He shakes his head. “That was a long time ago.”
That’s too bad. “Your home is stunning. Did you design everything?”
He snorts. “Hardly. It used to be a warehouse. A famous artist in the seventies converted it.”
I wait for him to say something more, but he only stares steadily at me. Is he trying to figure me out or waiting for me to steal something?
Mathias glances up from the laptop where he’s buried his head since we arrived. “Sorry, Phaedra. I should have asked sooner. Would you like something to eat or drink?”
My lips part in surprise at the sound of my name on his lips. Maybe he’s right, and I should reach out more. Our conversationearlier has eased things between us. I wink at him. “Thank you. That would be lovely. What a gracious host you are.”
Gatlin glares at Mathias and pushes past me to head to what I presume is the kitchen.
Mathias chuckles. “It’s taken me a few decades, but I swear he has manners.”
“Ha. Ha,” Gatlin snarls at Mathias as he returns with a glass of ice water. “I hope this is okay. I’ll order some groceries and get you something better.”
I take the glass and smile. “Water is perfect, thanks.” After taking several sips, I find a coaster and set the drink down. “I’d love a tour.” His home has been the biggest surprise with its reflection of warmth and spaciousness. The polar opposite of the intense man across from me. I want to see more.
Gatlin gathers his hair and puts it into a bun, making him look much more relaxed. “Living room. Dining.” He waves his hand from one end of the room to the other. “The kitchen is this way.”
I laugh at his brusque demeanor but then realize I would probably be the same if he came to the farmhouse. It’s my sanctuary. What would I do if I suddenly had a visitor?
“I’m sorry you had to bring me here,” I offer as we step into the kitchen. “I expected you to live in a bachelor pad, not this wonderful home. It took me by surprise. But I get it. It’s your sanctuary. I’ll try not to disturb you too much.”
Surprise crosses his face. “It’s fine. I’ll get used to you.” He stops. “Sorry. I mean…” He blows out a huge breath. “I’m not used to anyone but the four of us.”
I don’t know what to say. I like being around them, but I don’t want to cause any trouble. Maybe I should call Mercer and ask for a room somewhere. Thinking about it, I lean against the counter and look around at the kitchen.
White cabinets and walls continue the aesthetic from the living room, but with the butcher block counters and a slightly distressed medium-toned island, there is an overall cozy feeling to it.
The deep, rich countertops are full of nicks and scratches. I run my hand over the grooves. “You cook?”
“I do,” he confirms. “Ready to continue?”
Mathias walks in with a troubled expression on his face and stops between the two of us. “Jamison needs me to bring our surveillance footage to the council’s headquarters. They claim it’s to see the faces of our enemy, but I suspect they want to confirm you didn’t use any magic during the attack.” His dark gaze falls on me.
They’re trying to figure out which supernatural race I belong to. “But I kind of did.” When he looks confused, I motion to the laptop in his hand. “Can you bring up the attack?”
He sets it down on the coffee table and pulls up the video. “Is there a certain part?”
“I assume you had cameras in my bedroom?” I ask. I can’t help the irritated glare that crosses my face when I think about him watching, but I shove it down and take a seat beside him on the couch.
His blank expression says nothing, but I can see the glint in his eyes. “Yes.”
His fingers move rapidly on the keyboard. “This is the camera you want.”
