Page 116 of The Book Reader
“Be naked and in your room when I get back.”Stunned hearing Gaelan in my head, my eyes flicker to him. He gives me a devilish grin as he shimmers out.
What fuck was that? Can he mind-read like Drake? Oh god, I hope not.
Turning back to Mekhi, he stares at me for a few more seconds before rushing me with a hug. I sigh happily and hug him back just as tight. “Hitch, I have missed you. It’s not the same without you here,” he says, his voice filled with so much emotion I almost burst into tears. I hate that I was gone for that long. I think since we met, we have only spent a couple of weeks apart; even then, we spoke every day.
“I’m sorry, my phone didn’t work at Gaelan’s. I tried to call a couple of times.” I lean back and look toward the kitchen. “Where is Lucy?”
Mekhi exhales hard. “Angel face is on another date, with some guy. No idea who he is.” Mekhi shrugs before he takes my hand and leans me back into the kitchen.
“Does he stay over?” I ask, 'I’ve missed so much being away for a few weeks. Is Lucy dating again?' I wonder if she got back with Justin.
“Nope, she always comes home and rushes into her room, as normal.” He answers, handing me my apron. “Enough about Lucy, what is up with you, Hitch? You look different.”
I laugh and then pull up the sleeves of the hoodie I’m wearing to show Mekhi the scroll writing on my arm. “You know the book we were looking for? I found it!”
Over the nextcouple of hours, I make brownies and tell Mekhi about the book, my new markings, and what Gaelan means to me. Mekhi listened to most of it, his mouth agape in shock.
When we first started talking, I had no idea how he would take all of this. I think he'll be okay. He will just need time.
“Can you get us the winning lotto ticket?” Mekhi questions excitedly, he had been asking me what my new powers can do.
“They don’t work like that, Mekhi. I’m meant to be some huge protector of the world. That’s what I’ve been told anyway. I don’t think cheating is part of that.”
He turns to me with a grin. “It could be.”
I’ve missed him.
“But in all seriousness, Hitch. Are you okay? Not in any trouble?” he reaches for my hand, concerned etched on his face.
I shake my head. “No trouble, just need to learn about this book and spells more. Gaelan is going to help me. I hope you don’t mind,” I wince at my following words, “but he is going to be moving in.”
Mekhi looks gobsmacked for a second, then a slow, devilish smile creeps over his face. “Mr. Baby Blues—Mr. Hot Stuff—is going to be living with us?”
I nod. I figured he might not mind, after what we went through with Lucy, but I had to make sure.
Mekhi sucks in a breath, “Not even a little bit mad, but FYI. If I see him naked, I’m looking.” he makes a chef kiss action before lifting his drink and downing it.
A pinch of possessiveness runs over my body, making my hands fist at my sides. Emotion at such an intense level is something I will have to watch. I love my bestie, so I know I would never harm him, but anyone else? Right now, I would rip their hearts out.
I look away to calm myself for a moment, taking some slow and steady breaths. Gaelan would never go there with Mekhi, plus Mekhi is only joking around. But it still makes me a little mad, so slowly I reach for the jug of ‘tini and pour myself another.
“You’re back?” I look up when I hear Lucy’s slightly raised voice; she is standing in the doorway, looking shocked with tears rolling down her cheeks.
“Luce?” My voice is laced with excitement as I'm overjoyed to see my other best friend. I missed her so much. She rushes over and crushes me to the couch with a hug, crying softly.
“Where have you been? Mekhi and I have been so worried.” Her voice is muffled in my hoodie. She moves to sit on the couch next to me, her blue eyes burning into mine. I smile softly at her.
“Gaelan took me to his place and well… time moves differently in the underworld,” I answer.
She takes my hand and then Mekhi’s, squeezing us both. “Is Gaelan here?”
“No, but he will be back later. I can’t wait for you to meet him.”
She nods her head slowly. Lucy is going to be nervous, but I know she will get on well with him after they meet.
Lucy logs the markings that cover my face and neck, her eyes then narrow slightly. “Ari? Did you get tattoos?”
“These are my book markings,” I say softly.
