Page 140 of Shifting Hearts 1
Placing my phone face down on the counter, I continue, “The mythological Basilisk has been around for countless centuries and has become part of some historical events through time. Some might even say that it has become part of the heritage.”
I pause to let my words sink in.
She chews slower and lowers her hand completely. “What the hell are you talking about? Are you trying to tell me that humongous snakes are roaming the earth, eating people? You might be even crazier than I thought.”
I need to stay calm, but her nearness is causing havoc in my body. “No, I am saying that people are living amongst us who have adapted some of the Basilisk’s characteristics.”
She shakes her head and says, “If you are trying to tell me that some people are snakes, I believe you. I have met quite a few of them in my lifetime.”
“You might jest, but I am completely serious.”
She steps closer to the island counter and places her hands palms down, one still clutching the half-eaten carrot, to lean closer to my face.
“Okay, if you are so serious, explain to me what the hell you mean because speaking in riddles will get you nowhere.”
“Well, firstly, they are known to be shape shifters. Taking on the image of a huge snake, like the one you see in the painting,” I continue.
“I should have guessed. You are completely bonkers.” She walks around the counter and takes a seat on the couch in the living room. I follow her but get sidetracked when the food arrives at the door.
After signing for everything and bringing it to the coffee table, we unpack the containers and start eating. She chooses a pasta dish, and I grab one of the tamales. In between bites, I try again.
“Have you ever noticed something strange and had no way of explaining it?”
Her hand instinctively goes to her side, and I know what she is looking for. I saw the mark on her hip. And I know exactly what it is. However, she must connect the dots herself; otherwise, she will never take me seriously.
“I might have, but what does that have to do with you?”
Playing complacent, I shrug. “Nothing, except I might have the answers you have been looking for your whole life. If only you allow me to explain.”
She starts laughing, shaking her head in denial. “I can’t believe we are having this conversation. But please go ahead. Explain to me how you see me as a big-ass snake. Is it the way I sssslithered into your life?” She overpronounces the ‘s’, and it brings a smile to my face.
Oh, this is going to be priceless once she realizes the truth.
“Let’s start over. Perhaps I can approach this more effectively. Why don’t you tell me what you did to those men back there? There is no judgment here,” I say.
She hesitates with the fork halfway to her mouth. And her eyes dart around looking for an escape. I put the container in myhand down on the table and fold my hands together while my elbows lean on my thighs.
“Look, you can try to bullshit your way out of this, but we both know that what you did should have been impossible. I know telling me places you in a vulnerable position, so what can we do to even the odds and make you feel more comfortable telling me?”
A sly smile crosses her lips, and I immediately regret asking the question.
“If you put it that way, how can I refuse. But are you sure that you would be willing to bend for me?”
I find her word choice suspicious, but if I am going to reveal the truth and alleviate this uneasy feeling, I have to convince her that she can trust me.
“You and me, we aren’t like all the others. I’m sure you felt the instant connection between us. That must mean something to you?”
She keeps chewing, but I can see the avoidance in her eyes. Suddenly, she yanks the wig off her head, and I am surprised by a cute little raven pixie cut.
“Well, aren’t you full of surprises?”
She shrugs before she answers, “Since you want me to bear my soul, it is only fitting that I start by getting rid of that itchy wig. You know how men are, always looking for something to pull or use to push a woman to her knees.”
I snort. She certainly does have a warped view of men, but can I blame her?
“Well, I like the new look, and I would never push you to kneel. You will want to do it on your own.”
The smile lights up her face, and I bask in the glow. “Clearly, you know nothing about me if you think that I will kneel before you. In fact, I prefer you to bend for me. And for a man in yoursituation, I can only assume that is something that would never happen.”
