Page 22 of The Scribe (Irin Chronicles 1)

“What?”

“My apologies. That was rude.”

“Yes, it was.”

She was still staring at her book. He continued to sit across from her silently. His inner voice took on an amused tone that made her scowl.

“Ava?”

“I’m reading.”

“That’s impressive.”

She rolled her eyes and finally looked up. “What? Reading?”

He tried to control the smile, but the dimple gave him away. “Reading upside down. I can do it as well, but it took many years of study.”

Her cheeks burning, she set down the book. “What do you want?”

Malachi was still wearing sunglasses, but she caught the quick glance he gave her. It wasn’t clinical.

So, not indifferent, after all.

Feeling slightly smug, she said, “Well?”

“You asked me to show you around the city. I would be happy to do that.”

“Maybe I should just hire someone.”

Oh, he didn’t like that. She could tell by the tightening in his jaw and the way his voice changed. “You could. But, as you pointed out, I am local, and I know the city well. I am already guarding you. It would make the job more…”

“Friendly?”

The dimple was back. “Yes.”

“Fine.” She picked up her book, flipping it right side up. “I guess so.”

“You guess so?” His eyebrows furrowed together. “That’s not veryfriendly. Didn’t you just say we were friends?”

“Well, that was before you pissed me off, Mal.”

“Mal?” He sneered. “My name is not Mal.”

Ava cheered internally, pleased to have found something so convenient to annoy him with. “Oh, it can be.”

“When I piss you off?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Are you always like this? I think I should be warned ahead of time if we’re going to be… friends.”

“Like what?”

“Irritable and moody.”

She looked up in mock indignation. “This is me in a good mood, Mal.”

He closed his eyes and shook his head, but the telltale dimple gave away his amusement, and his inner voice was practically laughing.

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