Page 186 of Things We Left Behind
“Lina said it was like approaching a skittish dog. You don’t want to make any sudden moves or you’ll scare it off,” Naomi interjected.
“This is stupid. Can I please go back to my house?” I asked.
“Not until we make sure there aren’t any other surprises waiting for you inside,” Nash said.
I shivered.
“She’s staying with me tonight,” Lucian announced.
“Listen, Lucifer. Just because we’ve had sex a few times doesn’t give you the right to tell me what to do.”
At that moment, a police cruiser pulled up in the driveway behind Nash’s truck. Grave and Officer Bertle got out.
“I’ll leave you two to your bickering,” Nash said and headed for his cops.
Lucian used the distraction to haul me several feet away. Lina and Naomi exchanged smug looks.
“What are you doing?” I hissed.
“You should have told me,” he said coldly.
“Told you what? That someone left a lame anonymous note in the book drop for me? Do you know how many weird things we find in there every week?”
“Someone is threatening you, and youwilltake it seriously,” he announced.
“Ugh. Even after sex, you’re infuriating.”
“And you’re still a pain in my ass that won’t go away,” he shot back.
We exchanged heated glares. But I caved first. “Look at us. Our friend would rather bag up dead rats than be around us.”
“Listen carefully, Pixie. While my dick is in you, whatever you choose to call it, that makes you mine. And while you’re mine, I get to know when someone is scaring you.”
“I’m not scared. I’m annoyed. I really liked that welcome mat.”
“You’re not taking this seriously. Which is another reason I am.”
“This is almost as bad as the mayor’s snakes,” Officer Bertle complained, stifling a gag as he stuffed a rat in the bag with a pair of tongs.
“Luce,” Nash called.
“Take her inside,” Lucian ordered, guiding me to Knox.
31
The Fuck Fest Is Over
Lucian
Well? What did you find out?” I demanded, coming to my feet when Nash strolled into his office.
“Christ, Luce,” he said, flicking on the lights. “It’s 7:00 a.m. on a Thursday. At least let me have a cup of coffee before scaring the shit out of me with the lurking villain routine.”
“Someone is threatening one of the people you’re supposed to protect and serve, andyouwant a good night’s sleep?”
I’d barely slept. We’d spent the night at my place, and while Sloane had curled comfortably into my side and passed out within seconds, I’d run through each and every probability and possible outcome. When I settled on the most obvious answer, I’d slipped out of bed, triple checked the alarm, and tried to sweat out my anger at the gym with Shania Twain in my ears.
I was still sweating and still furious.
