Page 52 of Spies without a Face
We moved away from our seats and avoided the throngs of people lining up for the restrooms. Instead, we headed toward the water. The lights from the city danced in the reflection on the surface.
“What a perfect venue,” Austin said. “Right on the water. Have you been here before?”
“Many, many moons ago,” I replied. “It’s been a long time since I’ve gone to a concert.” Being here with Austin reminded me of things I used to do for fun before I let myself be consumed by my work. “Thanks for bringing me here tonight.”
“I’m glad you came with me, Pandora.” His voice sounded a notch deeper.
When I faced him, he was staring at me. His eyes gleamed with more amber and caught me in their depths. Damn, he was so sexy. If things were different, maybe…
Or maybe I was coming up with excuses. Things could be different between us if I let them be. Right?
I broke eye contact. It was so intense that I felt exposed. A cool breeze rolled in from the harbor. I pulled my arms in tight. Fortunately, I wore a sweater, but it wasn’t enough to ward off a chill.
“Come here,” Austin said. “I’ll keep you warm.” He wrapped his arms around me and rubbed my back.
Whoa, this was unexpected but felt good. I curled up against him.
After a few amazing seconds, I pulled away. “We should get back before Blondie starts.”
As we were returning to our seats, something wet and warm splashed my hand. I glanced down at it. “Agh!”
“What’s wrong?” Austin asked.
Oh, for the love of toad juice, that white mess on my hand and cardigan was gross. “A bird pooped on me.” I looked overhead and saw the seagull culprits flying away.
Austin blanched and appeared horrified. “I’ll get some napkins.”
“No, it’s fine,” I stopped him. “I’ll clean up in the restroom.”
I headed inside and washed away the ickiness the best I could. Glancing in the mirror, I searched for more of the gross goop. Fortunately, none. I stared at my reflection. Was this another sign? Was the universe trying to beat it into me that Austin and me together was a disaster?
I scrunched my face. No, that was just me looking for an excuse again. Maybe I was looking at things the wrong way. A hot, young shifter moved next door to me. He not only loved cats but seemed to be into me. Maybe it was time to stop looking for reasons why we shouldn’t be together and let it go, see where it takes us.
I removed my cardigan as the wet sleeve wouldn’t help keep me warm anyway and returned to Austin. He was easy to find, looming taller than everyone nearby. He was so good looking with that rugged, masculine way about him, and I wasn’t the only one who noticed. A couple of twenty-something women scoped him out, giggling, and then they mustered up the nerve to go talk to him. An unexpected bolt of jealousy speared me.
He gave them a cordial nod and glanced away, searching the crowd. When our gazes met, he smiled, and heat curled in my core. We walked toward each other. I bet the two women had disappointed expressions and were shooting eye daggers at me, which would soon be followed by a dose of shit talking. But I didn’t care. Let them talk.
When I reached Austin, I gave him a knowing smile. “The universe might be having a good laugh at us, but I’m laughing right back.”
Austin cocked his head. “The seagull poop?”
“Yes.” I motioned to the sky. “I heard that a bird crapping on you is good luck. It’s likely bogus, to make people like me right now feel better about just being used as a seagull toilet, but I’m going to go with it.”
Austin laughed. “No, I believe it. I’m the lucky one as I get to be here with you tonight.”
He hooked his arm out, and I looped mine through it. We didn’t return to our table seats but stood off to the side while Blondie took the stage. That’s when I felt a gaze burning me. I turned and searched for the source. This recurring sensation was driving me mad. It happened in Salem, but now here in Boston as well? It couldn’t be…
Of course it could.
I found them.Hiseyes. Marius. He stood alone in the crowd of people milling by the food and drink stands. While they walked, he stood still, staring at me.
My heart thumped and eyes widened. I blinked. When I reopened my eyes, he was gone.
Had I imagined seeing him here? Or had he disappeared in the crowd?
I searched around to see where he’d gone. No sign of him.
“Everything okay?” Austin asked.
