Wiggling my toes, I make sure I haven’t missed any of the nails, before squinting up at the clear blue sky peeking through the branches of the big maple that stretches from the bottom corner of the yard. I think I like the backyard the best. It’s easy to stay out of trouble out here, and there are lots of places to hide with all the gardens. Sage must be obsessed or something.
I cross my legs and start clipping the nails on my left hand, humming tunelessly. I’ve survived the week, and no one’s thrown me out, so…that’s good. Then again, everyone but Sage and Faolan seem to keep weird hours, so it’s been easy to keep out of the way. Even today, a Saturday, I’ve only seen Sage so far.
Pausing to study the gold band around my finger for a second, I scratch an itch on my cheek and adjust the grip on the nail clippers I found in the third floor bathroom.
The patio doors slide open, and I look up, shoulders hunching automatically. But it’s just Felix, with Sage following behind him. Sage slides the doors shut again while Felix looks around. He grins when he sees me and glances at Sage, saying something that makes him smile. My shoulders relax as they cross the lawn. No threat.
“How long have you been out here?”
After I watch Felix flop down in front of me, I shrug and clip the nail on my pinkie. “Awhile.”
“You don’t seem to spend much time inside,” Sage comments. He lowers himself to the ground more gracefully, then just as gracefully reaches over and steals the clippers.
“Uh…” I frown, because I still have to do my right hand. “I just like it out here.” Before I can ask for the clippers back, Sage slides his hand under mine and straightens out a finger. A brief flash of panic, but then confusion when he starts cutting my nails. I look up at Felix, but he just rolls his eyes and shrugs with a crooked smile.
“So Felix was telling me that you never finished high school?”
My attention snaps back to Sage. “How…?” But why am I surprised? I apparently told Felix way too fucking much that night. I briefly glare at him, before looking at Sage again and saying, “I didn’t really even start high school.” I add a self-deprecating smile and a shrug, hoping they don’t want to know why.
I better not have fucking told Felix that, too.
“Really?” Sage pauses in clipping my nails to give me a surprised look. “Why not?”
Fuck.
“Ah, uh…troubled childhood.” It’s the truth, at least.
Sage’s hands still for a moment, but then he nods and offers me a bright smile. “Well, there should be no problem in you earning your diploma. The school runs a GED programme, both in the classroom and online.”
“The school…?” He acts like I should know what he’s talking about.
“He and Faolan teach at the same high school,” Felix says, stifling a yawn. “Didn’t you know that?”
I just shrug uncomfortably. It’s not like any of them tell me much.
In an effort to seem less awkward, I eye the top of Sage’s head and ask, “What do you teach?”
Without pausing, he says, “Art and Math. Faolan teaches Gym and History.” One final snip, and he leans back with a satisfied look. “There. All done.”
Felix leans over and snorts. “Sage, you are terrible at this. I bet it’s cuz you’re a leftie.”
“They look fine!” Sage protests, but I’m going to have to side with Felix on this one, after I see how crooked and jagged Sage has left my nails.
Sighing, Felix rolls his eyes and takes the nail clippers from Sage, before grabbing my hand and stretching it toward him. “Anyway, you can go in with them on Monday and get all registered with the school. You should probably do the classroom programme if you never did any high school.”
I grimace and open my mouth to protest, but Sage quickly says, “All the other students are your age or older.”
Not what I was worried about, but okay, I guess that’s a bit reassuring?
“And it’s a bad idea to be stuck in the house all the time,” Felix continues, apparently noticing how my face doesn’t relax. “Think of it like a job.”
I’m starting to think I don’t have any choice in the matter, but Sage adds, “If you end up hating it, you can always switch to online courses later.”
I stifle a sigh, unable to find the will to argue. They’ve obviously got this all figured out, and I am trying to fit in here… Besides, I did always figure having a diploma would make finding jobs a bit easier. Not being an illegal immigrant anymore will probably also help.
“Can I think about it?”
Felix shrugs, running his thumb over my last nail. “Yeah, that’s fine.” A smirk suddenly appears on his fox-like face, and he lifts my hand to show it to Sage. “See? Much better.”
Sage rolls his eyes with an exasperated sigh, before winking at me. “He’s always like this.”
I stare at him, and then hesitantly smile at his playfulness. Maybe he’s starting to accept me…?
“Okay, I’m starving,” Felix announces, drawing my attention away from Sage. He stands up and grins down at me, holding out a hand. “Want lunch?”
I let him haul me to my feet—and freeze when he suddenly leans in for a quick kiss. I feel him run a finger over my wedding ring, before he drops my hand and jerks his head toward the house. “C’mon.”
His long legs quickly take him across the lawn, while I follow more slowly with Sage, staring at Felix’s lean back.
“He’s happy about the ring,” Sage remarks, pausing to let me go ahead on a narrow part of the path through the garden plots.
I glance over my shoulder at him, eyebrow raised. “But I’ve been wearing it all week?”
Sage shrugs and smiles. I just shake my head and climb the stairs to the deck. Well, as long as he’s happy about it.
Lunch is leftover casserole, and I still can’t get over having real meals every day. Sitting at the kitchen island with Felix and Sage, I curl over my bowl and shovel food into my mouth, almost groaning at the taste of chicken. Tastes just as good as it did yesterday.
A snicker makes me look up, catching Sage’s raised eyebrow. I quickly lower my fork and clear my throat. But Sage just smiles and says, “After this, we can go buy you some clothes.”
“Oh, shopping? I’ll come—need to pick up some stuff.” Felix reaches across me and grabs an apple from the fruit bowl. I catch a whiff of his soap and bite my lip, because I’ve been making good on the not fucking anyone, and it is hard.
“I don’t have any money,” I blurt, forcing my mind back to safe territory. “For…for the clothes.”
Swallowing a bite of food, Sage gives me a crooked smile. “I know that. But I already said it was fine, remember?” Before I can reply, he looks at Felix. “What do you need to get?”
Felix drops his fork into his empty bowl and shrugs. “Work stuff.” I think there’s gonna be more, but Felix just gets up and brings his bowl to the dishwasher. “Just gonna go change. I’ll meet you at the door.” He stretches and saunters out of the kitchen, whistling tunelessly. I watch him go, before forcing my eyes back down to my empty bowl. This is just a bad habit I have to break.
“You really don’t need to worry about cost,” Sage remarks, drawing my attention. He smiles and reaches over to squeeze my hand. “When you’re able to make a living, you can contribute to the household, but for now, you need to concentrate on getting yourself…settled in.” He pulls back and stands, taking my empty bowl with him to the dishwasher. The heat from his hand lingers on mine.
My throat suddenly feels tight. When was the last time someone was this nice to me?
I manage a weak “thanks” at his thin back, before quickly rubbing at my eyes and sliding from the high stool. Before he can see my face, I add, “I’m gonna go put on my shoes,” and hurry across the kitchen. I’m pathetic. Someone isn’t a complete jackass to me, and that’s enough to make me cry? For fuck’s sake.
Dropping down on the bench by the door, I grab my worn out running shoes and pull them on.
***
Sage smiles brightly at the cashier as he inserts his debit card into the machine, seeming to have no issue with the ridiculous cost of the clothes being bagged. I look away, the guilt only slightly less than when we began. Today is the first time I’ve been able to have a choice in my own clothes at a regular store, but I can stomach the prices at thrift stores a lot better.
I’ve given up trying to convince Sage that I don’t need any more clothes (I’m already holding three bags), but that doesn’t mean I won’t figure out a way to pay him back.
“Having fun?”
I give Felix a long look as he carries the bag of clothes over and slides an arm around my waist. Shifting to settle more closely against his warm side, I keep my mouth shut. Saying yes would be an obvious lie, but saying no would sound ungrateful, and I really don’t want to piss anyone off.
Felix snorts and squeezes my hip. “You’re easy to read. I’m pretty sure Sage’ll get tired soon.”
“Not tired,” Sage says, suddenly appearing at my other side. I jump, staring at him. “But I am hungry. I saw a restaurant nearby that looks good.” He looks from Felix to me with the soft smile that rarely seems to leave his face. “What do you think?”
I don’t answer. Why would he care what I think? Eating out’s too expensive (something I only do—did—after stealing enough cash, and only then because my apartment had no stove and I can barely cook), and, well…it’s his money. Their money. I glance at Felix, biting my lip. He raises an eyebrow at me, looking amused.
I grit my teeth and shrug awkwardly. “I guess?”
Sage reaches out to brush his fingers through my hair, eyes warm. “You don’t need to feel guilty. Really.” Without letting me reply, he relieves of me of my shopping bags and wraps his hand around mine. His palm is warm and dry, but I can feel calluses on his fingers. I resist the urge to pull away, because the contact’s kind of…nice.
Squeezing my hip, Felix releases my waist and walks over to hold the door open. I blink at the darkening sky, surprised. How did it get so late?
“I guess we should call home and let them know where we are,” Sage remarks, glancing over my head at Felix. “Do you have your cell on you?”
Felix just raises an eyebrow at that, thin phone already in his hand. Sage rolls his eyes and turns down a side street. We’re in a classy area full of boutique stores and what seem to be fancy restaurants. I really do appear to have married rich.
“Hey…yeah, we’re out shopping.” Felix pauses, and I can faintly hear someone else’s voice. I glance over in time to see Felix pinch the bridge of his nose. “What, you want him to keep wearing yours? …you agreed to—” Felix raises his voice, sounding annoyed. “Don’t you have work tonight?” There’s more angry talking, and then Felix says, “Look, we’ll talk about this later.” He hangs up with a long, annoyed sigh.
“Neve?” asks Sage mildly. The pad of his thumb traces my knuckle, and I wonder if he notices. He’s even more touchy-feely than Felix, I think.
Felix just sighs again and shoves his phone into his pocket. His bright green eyes catch mine, and he quickly smiles. I guess I must look concerned or something, because he says, “Nothing to worry about.”
Sage distracts me by starting up a short flight of stairs that I hadn’t even noticed, and then I realise we’re in front of a restaurant. It’s small with a simple name (The Brickhouse), but it’s got that classy air that I was dreading. I hate these kinds of places.
But then, maybe it won’t be so bad, since I’m not—
“Table for three?” the hostess asks politely, hooded yellow eyes scanning us with mild interest. At Sage’s nod, she picks up the menus and leads us into the dining room, which is more casual than I’d expected. Rustic, I think it’s called.
We get a table next to the wide front windows, giving me a good view of the street. Felix sits across from me, and I jump when he presses his leg against mine. Glaring, I shift away, because if he expects me to do this whole chastity thing, he’d better knock off the flirting.
He grins. I look at my menu.
After looking at every dish, I determine that the cheapest thing is salad—and I hate salad. I resist the urge to sigh. It’s just one meal.
“I think I’m gonna get the burger,” Felix says, setting aside his menu. “I’m guessing you’re getting the steak?”
Sage smiles a bit sheepishly and asks, “Am I really that predictable?” Looking at me, he adds, “Have you decided?”
Still eyeing the prices, I shrug. “Just a salad.”
“That’s it?”
“I’m not really hungry…”
“I know that’s a lie,” Felix says. By the look on his face, he knows exactly what my problem is. “Just get the salmon or something.”
“How do you even know I like salmon?”
“I know you like salmon. And I know you don’t like salad.”
“How—”
“Good evening! Are you all ready to order?” The server is small and cheerful, fixing us with a bright smile. His dark blue hair is at odds with our surroundings, and I vaguely wonder if it’s natural as I continue scowling at Felix.
Sage begins ordering, and Felix mutters, “Stop worrying about the prices.”
“That’s not—”
“And what would you like?”
I look up at the server, face flushing. “Oh, uh, the sa—”
“The salmon,” Felix interrupts. “And I’ll have the burger with no onions, please.”
Eyebrow twitching, he looks between us, before jotting down the order. “And anything to drink?”
Waters all round, and after he leaves, I lean forward to hiss, “I don’t need you to tell me what to eat.”
Looking equally annoyed, Felix snaps, “I do if you’re just gonna starve yourself.”
Sage holds up a hand between us, halting my retort. “Kit, you don’t need to worry about the cost, okay? If we couldn’t afford it, we wouldn’t be here.”
I continue staring at Felix, until he finally sighs and holds up his hands. “Sorry, I’ll stop nagging.” But the look on his face tells me that this is only a temporary truce. Still, I nod and relax. I really do like salmon…
The server seems relieved when he returns and the tension’s gone. He drops off our water with an easy grin, before heading over to another table. After he’s left, Sage launches into a story about one of his art classes, and I stare out the window, watching well-dressed people pass by on the sidewalk.
***
I shiver when we step out of the restaurant, squinting at the dark sky. It cooled down fast.
A warm arm slides around me, and I jump, instinctively pulling away, but relax when I realise it’s just Felix. I relax against his side with a slight smile.
“So, ready to head home now?” Felix asks Sage over my head. “All the stores are closed.” And am I ever thankful for that.
Sage slips his hand into mine, which I’m starting to get used to. “Well…I was thinking we could get a drink at the club first.”
I feel Felix stiffen, then relax, although his voice is tight when he says, “Not sure Neve would appreciate that.”
“I’m sure he’ll be too busy to talk. I haven’t seen Leigh for awhile, so I wanted to say hi.”
Felix sighs and shrugs. “Fine.”
Uncomfortable with the silence, I eventually ask, “What club?” The last time I was at a club, I was scoping out someone to fuck (and rob). Can’t say I’m eager to return.
Sage waves his free hand in the air. “Oh, just a standard club. Dancing, alcohol, etcetera. Sei and Neve work there.”
I stare at him, trying to picture that. Felix? Yeah, I could definitely see him working at a club. But Sei and Neve are just…so uptight. Apparently my thoughts are showing on my face, because Sage grins. “You’ve only seen the serious sides of them. They’re actually pretty easygoing.” He pauses, glancing at Felix. “Okay, Sei is.”
I snort at that, because really? But I don’t reply, because I don’t want to upset either of them. The amused look Sage gives me, though, tells me he knows exactly what I’m thinking.
We cross the road, but as soon as we reach the sidewalk, Felix stops. I look at him, confused, but he’s studying the window of the restaurant next to us (some fancy steak place, from the looks of it).
“Felix?”
Felix drops his arm from around me, shooting Sage a quick smile. “Sorry, mind going without me? I see someone I need to talk to. Work.”
Sage glances between him and the window, before shrugging loosely. “Okay. Just stay safe.” Still holding my hand, he steps in front of Felix and gives him a quick kiss. “Love you.”
Teeth flashing in a grin, Felix winks and squeezes our joined hands. “Love you, too.” And then to my surprise, he leans in to kiss me, as well, a brief, hard press of lips. “Have fun.”
I stare after him as he heads toward the restaurant door, but then Sage tugs on my hand, and we continue to the parking lot behind a row of stores. I glance behind me as we walk, but Felix is already gone.
“So what are your hobbies?” Sage asks conversationally, pulling my attention back to him. I blink and open my mouth to answer, but pause. What are my hobbies? Do I even have any? All I really do (did?) is look for work, have sex, and steal. When I had an apartment, all I did there was sleep and…
“Reading,” I reply, remembering the worn paperbacks that I always borrowed from the library.
“What kind of books?” He stops to let a car pass, then leads me down a dimly lit alley. If it were with anyone else, there’s no way I’d be walking down here.
I shrug, altering my grip on the shopping bags. “Anything, really. Although I guess I like mysteries the best.” Romances just depress me.
Sage’s face lights up at that. “Really? Then you must love Felix’s job.”
At that moment, I realise I have no idea what Felix does. “What is it?”
“PI,” Sage says as we finally step into the parking lot. It’s packed with cars, all of them expensive and gleaming. “Runs his own agency and everything,” he adds proudly.
My eyebrows shoot up at that, because Felix does not seem capable of being inconspicuous, which is sort of a requirement of detecting from what novels have told me. Sage laughs at the surprise on my face and clicks the button on his key to unlock the car door. “That was my reaction when I met him, too.”
Everything gets stowed into the trunk before we get into the car, and then Sage smoothly steers us out of the lot. Music replaces conversation, and I watch the shops and people outside as we navigate the narrow streets that seem to form a maze. By the time we pull into another parking lot, I’m completely lost.
“We won’t stay long,” Sage says as he parks and unbuckles his seatbelt. “The club owner is a good family friend, so I want you to meet him.”
My nose wrinkles as my mouth twists. I’m in the probationary period of marriage, so why is he introducing me to people? “Is there really any point if you guys are going to just end up divorcing me?” The bitterness in my voice surprises even me—I really didn’t mean to say that out loud.
Sage pauses in opening the door and looks at me. “Nothing’s been decided,” he says mildly, his face betraying nothing.
I stare at him, meeting his eyes, and then look away and get out of the car. I really need to keep my mouth shut—my social skills are absolute shit.
The back of the building is nondescript—red brick with a surprising lack of graffiti. Sage pulls his keys out of his pocket and chooses one that looks sturdier than the rest, before stopping in front of a plain metal door. I raise an eyebrow when he unlocks it.
“You have a key to this place?”
Sage flashes me a smile and a shrug. “Family friend privileges.” He pulls open the door and gestures me in.
I find myself in at the bottom of worn wooden stairs leading up to a door, a single light lending visibility. When I doubtfully glance over my shoulder at Sage, he gently guides me up the staircase with a hand on my waist. I can’t help the nerves that spring up in this situation.
Should I really trust Sage?
“Leigh’s office is up here,” Sage explains pushing open the door at the top. We turn right into a much brighter hallway, although it’s just as plain as the rest of what I’ve seen. I relax a bit, feeling less like something bad’s waiting for me.
“Shouldn’t he be in the club?”
“He has managers for that.” There are a few doors scattered along the hall, but Sage stops at one near the end and gives it a quick knock. After a moment, I hear a faint ‘come in’, and Sage turns the doorknob.
The office is small, but organised. Books are stacked neatly on shelves, and there are several filing cabinets. A heavy wooden desk acts as the focal point, and behind it sits a man I assume to be Leigh, quick fingers typing on a sleek computer.
“Hello, Sage. Sei and Neve didn’t say you were stopping by.”
“Spontaneous visit,” Sage replies with an easy smile. I warily follow him to the two leather chairs across from Leigh. “Are you busy?”
More typing, a click, and then Leigh leans back with a small smile. “Am I ever not?” Up close, I can’t help but stare. His skin is pitch-black, and his straight white hair is pulled back into a short ponytail. When his eyes suddenly flick to me, I barely manage to stifle a gasp. Bright yellow and lacking any whites or pupils.
By his raised eyebrow, I realise I’ve been staring and drop my gaze his hands—webbed fingers and tiny yellow-green scales covering the backs.
What the hell is he?
“I’m assuming this is your first time meeting a drow,” Leigh says dryly. A drow? I thought they were just myths. He leans back in his wingchair, crossing his arms with a neutral expression. I can’t read his eyes. “Judging by the ring on your finger, you must be the new husband.”
I stiffen, but Sage just sighs. “What did they tell you?”
Leigh shrugs. “That Felix married a homewrecker, mostly.”
Anger rushes through me, and I snap, “I’m not a homewrecker!”
Sage gently places his hand on mine, curling our fingers together, and I force myself to relax. Leigh looks more amused than anything, although his eyes are narrowed.
“Leigh, this is Kit,” Sage says, shooting me a quick look. “I wanted you two to meet, since he’s part of the family now.”
Leigh nods, and then studies me. I shift uncomfortably, quickly looking away. I hate being stared at. “You hardly look like the soulless seducer Neve’s been describing,” he finally says.
I grit my teeth and glare at the smooth wood of the desk. Mahogany.
“You know Neve likes to exaggerate.” Sage squeezes my hand, and it’s so weird having someone comforting me about, well…anything. Especially when we barely know each other. “It’s a little rough right now, but we’ve decided to give it a chance.”
I risk looking up again, and Leigh’s eyes are fixed on Sage’s hand wrapped around mine. His thin mouth has twisted into a knowing smirk that I really don’t like. The next moment, he’s standing up and straightening the collar of his grey button-up shirt. “Let’s go have some drinks. Work can wait.”
For some reason, I expect Sage to refuse, because he really doesn’t look like the type to drink in a club, but when I glance at him, he’s smiling brightly. “Thought you’d never ask.”
Since our hands are still joined, I reluctantly stand up with him to follow Leigh out of the office. I’ve had enough of clubs, really, and I’m not sure how I feel about Leigh. He seems like the type to know everything about everyone, and I don’t want anyone knowing anything about me.
Out in the hall, we go through another doorway that leads to a different set of stairs, and when we get to the bottom, there’s another door. I brace myself, expecting to be hit with the overwhelming vibrations of music and sex found in every club, but instead, we pass through a thick curtain and emerge in a large room done in earthy tones full of plush seats and booths with warm balls of light floating above each small table. Instead of the shattering beat of club music, a sultry voice floats through the air, almost seeming to touch me. I shiver and feel Sage do the same. The people scattered around the room are all staring at the small stage in the corner where the singer is leaning against the piano with hooded eyes.
“He’s new,” Sage murmurs, pausing to watch the singer. He only moves when Leigh gives his arm a tug, and I’m forced to follow, although I can’t seem to look away from the stage.
Leigh slides into a seat far from the stage, resting an elbow on the table. “This is his first night. I plan to hire him as a regular act.”
“He’s very good,” Sage remarks, his voice almost husky. I know exactly how he feels.
“He’s a siren, so I should hope so.”
“A siren?” Sage repeats, looking surprised. “You don’t see many of them around here.”
Leigh signals the lone server. “Just graduated and exploring the world, apparently. He told me he plans to stay here for awhile.”
The server arrives at our table with a bright smile, a bright violet eye glancing at each of us. Her dark hair is hiding the other, but when it shifts, I notice a mass of scar tissue where her eye should be.
“Thought you were planning to live your office,” she says cheerfully. “Glad to see you still have friends.”
Leigh sighs when Sage laughs. “You’re hilarious, Tai.”
“Want your usual?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll have a whisky sour, please,” says Sage, winding one leg around mine. I shoot him a look—is he like this with everyone?
“Sure. And you?” Her eye bores into mine, and I hesitate, before finally saying, “The same.” I’ve never cared what I’m drinking and usually let guys choose for me. It’s all the same, anyway.
“Alright, I’ll be back soon.”
I watch her with a small frown, wondering just how she lost her eye.
***
Time moves slowly as Sage and Leigh talk about things and people I don’t know—work, finances, mutual friends—and I just drink whatever’s put in front of me and stare at the stage. The siren’s gone, replaced by a woman with a cello who’s playing slow, sad songs. I drain the rest of my drink and grimace, before standing up. Sage breaks off mid-sentence and looks up at me.
“Everything okay?”
I nod. “Washroom.”
“Just down the stairs,” Sage says with a smile, pointing behind him. How many stairs does this place have?
I slink through the tables, avoiding eye contact with any of the well-dressed people chatting and flirting with each other. As promised, the stairs lead to a hallway with the washrooms, and for once, there isn’t a line. Then again, maybe these washrooms are just for the lounge. Definitely cleaner than other clubs.
No one’s inside, and I take care of business in peace. I walk to the sink and avoid looking in the mirror as I wash my hands. The door suddenly flies open and a man storms in, heading straight for me.
“What the fuck?!” I manage, stumbling back. But my feet tangle, and he grabs me by my shirt and slams me into the wall. Pain bursts through my head, and I grit my teeth to stay quiet.
“I knew it was you, you little whore!”
“Get the fuck off me!” Fear’s creeping into my voice, giving it a desperate edge, and I shove against his chest, managing to make him step back. “Who the fuck are you?!”
The punch to the stomach makes me gasp for air and double over, but the pain is minimal. I quickly straighten, ready to fight back, but his fist is already swinging for my face. Although I manage to twist to avoid the full impact, he still manages to cut my lip and send me back into the wall.
“You stole my money, asshole!”
Shit. Usually, they’re so wasted they would never remember my face in a crowd. I look at this guy, tall and tanned and probably some sort of were, but I only vaguely remember him.
“I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about,” I snarl, wiping the blood from my mouth.
“Like hell!” This time, I manage to duck. I make a dash for the exit, but he easily catches up to me and throws me into the door. Before I can collapse, he twists my arms up behind my back and presses me against the wood. “You’d better give me my money,” he hisses, breath warm against my neck. “Or I swear I will make you regret it.” He roughly shoves his leg between mine, making my breath hitch and eyes widen. No. No no no, I am not letting that happen, NO.
I struggle, shoving back as hard as I can, but he just twists my arms until my eyes water, and then pulls back and shoves me down. My knees crack against the marble floor, followed by my forehead, making my vision blur. I can feel his weight, his body heat—I can taste blood.
This is too much, too much like before, and all I can think is that I can’t get away from him like this. I’m pinned, I’m trapped, he’s yelling—
Panic. I start screaming.
My head hits the floor again, and I break off with a sob as he snarls, “Shut the fuck up!” His hand digs through my pockets, searching fingers making me sick enough to start screaming again. He bashes my head against the floor again, but I don’t stop.
Suddenly, the door hits the wall, and someone runs in. There’s more yelling, almost drowned out by mine, and then pain spikes through my shoulders as my arms are abruptly released. But then hands are grabbing me, pulling me, and I start thrashing. My fists make contact, but I can’t stop the arms that wrap around me and yank me against a hard body.
I’m dragged out of the washroom and down a hall, the arms around me keep me from falling. Everything’s blurry. My throat hurts. I can’t stop crying.
Moments later, I’m on a couch in a brightly-lit room, no longer being held. Choking down another harsh sob, I rub at my eyes and look up with hunched shoulders, bracing myself for another attack.
My stomach turns when I see Sei crouched in front of me, looking pissed. “What did that guy do to you?”
I’m already shaking my head, because I am not talking about this. “Nothing.” I press back into the hard couch, trying to ignore what Sei is. Don’t look at his teeth.
“Nothing,” Sei repeats, voice venomous. “Then why the fuck were you screaming? Did I interrupt something?”
The implication makes me feel even sicker. “I didn’t want to be there.” I lick my dry lips, wincing when the cut in my lip throbs.
Sei watches me for a long time, not changing his expression. He only looks away when something beeps and he pulls a phone out of his pocket. I watch his long fingers quickly tap against the screen, and then he slips it back into his pocket. When the door opens a few seconds later, I can’t help but cringe, expecting…I don’t know. I can’t stop shaking, not even when I see that it’s Sage hurrying into the room. As soon as he spots me, his eyes widen and he drops down next to me on the couch.
“What happened? You’re bleeding!” His fingers manage to brush my lips before I pull back. This is humiliating.
“Nothing. Just…just a fight.” I swallow against my dry throat, rubbing again at my sore eyes.
“A fight about what?” Sage demands, much more emotional than he should be. Maybe if it were, like, Sei or something in my place, I’d understand it, but it’s me.
I shrug weakly, hoping they’ll drop it. He just punched me a few times, and I’ve had way worse, and even if he’d fucked me, it’s not like it’s a big deal. “I just pissed him off, I guess.”Apparently not getting my desire for personal space, Sage leans forward and catches one of my hands. His voice is quiet when he says, “Sei said you were being r—”
“Fuck! No.” I yank my hand away, the panic struggling to take over again. “I’m fine, okay? I just got scared and freaked out.” Unable to stand Sage’s body heat, I stand up and move away from the couch, pressing back against the wall instead, my arms wrapped around myself. “Can we just leave? Please?”
“No, you can’t leave,” Sei growls, straightening and managing to tower over me even from over two metres away. “Leigh’s calling the cops, and you’re going to talk to them.”
Oh…fuck. My body goes numb, tongue thick in my throat. The panic I’ve managed to hold back is rising again.
“He can’t,” I whisper, voice catching. I shove away from the wall, stumbling. “Where is he?”
“Kit, it’s okay—”
“It is not fucking okay!” I snap, glaring wildly at Sage. “He can’t fucking call the cops!” I head for the door, but Sei grabs me with a strong arm. “Let go!”
“Why don’t you want them here?” Sei asks, holding me tighter. “Don’t you want that guy arrested?”
I can’t help but laugh, the sound harsh, forced. “Do I look like I do?” If the cops show up, I’ll have to talk to them, they’ll get my name, then it’ll be on record, and they’ll figure out who I am—
But that doesn’t really matter, does it? This bloody marriage already did that.
This time, though, I’ll go to jail, because the whole thing’s my fault to begin with.
“Kit, why do you want to let this go?” Sage coaxes, and I realise he’s standing behind me, a hand resting on my shoulder. “You won’t be in trouble.”
I can’t take it anymore. “I robbed him, okay?!” My voice is way too loud for such a small room. “I fucked him, and then stole his money.” The words taste like bile in my mouth.
Sei’s hold is suddenly a lot tighter. “What?”
Shaking my head, I suddenly lose the will to fight. None of it matters anymore. “It’s how I survived,” I mutter, throat tight. “I would go to clubs and bars, and pick up guys who looked rich. Then when they were asleep, I’d steal whatever money they had on them.”
“After having sex with them first.”
I laugh again, feeling like I’m caught in a spiral. “Yeah.” There’s no point in trying to explain—they won’t believe me, anyway.
Sei and Sage don’t say anything for a long time. Then Sage squeezes my shoulder and takes a few steps away, pulling out his phone. I watch him from the corner of my eye, wishing Sei would let go of me.
Sage begins speaking to whoever he’s called. “Have you called the police yet?” Leigh. “Okay, good. Don’t call them. …No, he isn’t pressing charges. …I know. …I know. I’ll explain things later. …Do you still need Neve here? …Would you mind letting him leave? …Thanks, Leigh.” He hangs up, taps the screen a few times, and then turns back to us with a tight smile. “Sei, you can let go now. Neve will be here in a minute.”
Muttering something under his breath, Sei finally lets his arms drop, and I take a few steps back, eyes flicking between them. Should I run?
“Neve will take you home,” Sage says, his gentle voice at odds with his serious expression.
I want to argue, tell him I’m not going to be alone in a car with Neve, tell him I’m leaving, tell him that I’ll agree to a divorce if they let me go…but instead, I nod silently and stare at the floor until light footsteps signal Neve’s arrival. As soon as he sees me, he scowls.
“Leigh’s letting you leave early to drive Kit home,” Sage explains, digging out his car keys and holding them out. “It’s a bit of an emergency,” he adds apologetically when Neve still hasn’t taken the keys. “We’ll be home as soon as we can.”
Glancing at me, Neve sighs and takes the keys. “Fine.” He’s dressed in a black tank top and jeans, the same outfit as Sei, which makes him look like a ghost. Without another word, he turns around and leaves the room. I don’t look up as I follow.
The drive home is silent, neither of us making any attempt to speak. I curl up in my seat and stare out the window, ignoring the way the seatbelt cuts into my stomach. The silence remains until we step inside the house and Neve closes the door.”So.” His voice brings me to a halt. “Who beat you up?”
My back’s to him, so he doesn’t see my bitter smile. “An acquaintance,” I answer shortly, and head for the stairs. I can hear Neve following me.
“Ex-boyfriend?”
I know he’s trying to get a rise out of me, but I can’t find the energy to care. “We had sex once. I stole his money. He saw me tonight and wanted revenge.” I pause with my hand on the railing and look back at him. “Good enough?”
To be honest, I expect to see disgust on his face—but he’s staring back at me with an unreadable expression. Maybe a bit surprised. Instead of waiting for a reaction, I continue up the stairs to the third floor, just wanting to curl up in my closet.
“You should put some ice on that,” he says gruffly, and when I look at him again, his eyes are fixed on the floor. I turn away and walk toward my room.
“I’m fine.”
Neve just makes an annoyed noise and mutters, “Whatever”, before I hear his footsteps retreating down the stairs. If I thought I had any chance of staying here, I’d go after him and try to sweeten things.
But I just don’t care.
I crawl into my closet and burrow in the blankets, squeezing my eyes shut. There’s a dull ache when I breathe, nothing broken, and my head’s been throbbing since it was slammed into the floor. But everything’s functioning enough that if I have to run, I’ll be able to survive.
***
I’m not sure if I’ve always been a light sleeper or if I became one out of necessity, but as soon as someone taps on the closet door, I’m awake and sitting up. Old instinct tells me I need to get ready for an attack, so I very warily open the closet door with my claws out.
Sage offers me a small smile, and I slowly relax. He hasn’t done anything to hurt me—and if that changes, I can overpower him.
“Did I wake you up?” he asks, and I just shrug. After a stretch of silence, he nods at the space beside me. “Mind if I join you?”
I stare at him, confused, but finally shift over to let him in. He settles next to me with a sigh and crosses his legs. He’s here for a reason, so I just watch him until he looks up. There are bags under his eyes, and his braid is a mess.
“Shouldn’t you be in bed?” I mutter, shoulders hunched.
“Mm, just got back from the club. I wanted to check up on you and thought you might want to hear the news.”
My eyes flick to my feet. “Oh.” So they’re kicking me out gently—guess that’s nice of them.
Sage stretches his arms above his head with a yawn. “It took awhile, but we found resolution, so you don’t need to worry.”
“…what?” Are we even talking about the same thing?
I stiffen when Sage’s fingers run through my hair. “The man who attacked you. We paid him the money owed—not nearly as much as I’d thought, the way he reacted—and assured him that if he attempted to report you to the police, you would be pressing assault charges.” He rests his arm around my shoulders, which presses me against his side. But I barely even notice, because as I slowly process his words, all I can do is gape.
“You…what?”
He raises his eyebrows at me, looking amused. “I really did wake you up, didn’t I?”
I press my fingers against my eyes, wondering if maybe I’m still asleep. “Yeah, but… Why? Why didn’t you turn me in?”
When Sage doesn’t answer, I look up to see him giving me a lopsided smile. “Why would I do that? I’m hardly going to turn my husband in to the authorities for something so minor.”
…I think we might have very different definitions of minor. But more importantly…
‘Husband’—he said it so casually. My face feels warm, so I look down. “So I…don’t have to leave?”
His fingers slide up my neck to my chin, before resting in my hair. “So that’s why you’ve been hiding…” Sighing, he rests his head on top of mine, his other arm wrapping around me. For some reason, I don’t feel the urge to push him away. “You aren’t a bad person, Kit. You’ve just found yourself in bad circumstances.”
“Okay,” I say lamely, because what else am I supposed to do? I don’t want to leave, so I’m not going to argue with him. Instead, I press closer and breathe in, smelling mint. It feels…nice being held with no expectations. Safe. I feel safe, now that I can relax.
“How are you feeling? Do you need any painkillers?”
I allow a flicker of a smile, resting my head on his shoulder. I barely even notice the throbbing. “I’ve had way worse,” because after what I’ve been through, this is about as painful as a papercut.
He continues stroking my hair, apparently accepting that. I’ll probably be stiff in the morning.
“Comfortable?” Sage’s soft voice opens my eyes—I didn’t even realise I’d closed them.
I hum in agreement, but ask, “Don’t you want to go to bed?”
His shrug jostles me, but he doesn’t loosen his grip. Hesitating, I casually say, “You can sleep here if you want…” Because, somehow, I like being around him, and I actually want to be around him. I don’t expect him to say ‘yes’, of course, but the offer was out of my mouth before I really thought it through. “Well, if you’re offering…” He suddenly twists around and tugs me down until we’re lying next to each other on the thick blankets. Hiding a grin, I shift until I’m facing him. He slings an arm over me, and I tug the comforter over us, before tucking my head under his chin. Sighing softly, he gently strokes my back, and I relax against him. His hand eventually stills, and when I peek up, he’s asleep. I smile and close my eyes. I don’t think I’d mind going to sleep like this every night.