“I’ve never been. Honestly, before I came to the Academy, I never left the South Bronx. Minus the odd trip to the hospital, library, or store. I’ve never been anywhere else, I wasn’t found in New York, I don’t think, but it’s the only place I can remember.”
“You should go if you get the chance. The scenery is stunning and they have some of the best restaurants around. Especially if you enjoy seafood. I doubt Tucker would take you though. If he isn’t at the Academy, or here for some boring ass business meeting, then he’ll be in Connecticut. He’s not much of a traveler, but I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun,” he says in a dry tone as he pours us both a cup of coffee and leaves mine on the island.
I really should move closer and stop loitering in the center of this room. I just don’t know how to act here. It’s his place and I’ve never felt more aware of being alone with someone than I do right now.
“So, what’s on the agenda this week?”
“Tomorrow we will go shopping and find you an outfit suitable for your meeting. I presume you have your plan already organized?” What’s with the bite in his tone. Did I do something wrong?
“Yeah, it’s based on the one that Maddox and I did last year. He’s helped me to tweak it a little, he’s better with that sort of stuff than me.” I laugh nervously as I pick up my coffee and take a mouthful, just to give me something to do.
“Why didn’t you just ask me?” He’s frowning now, pursing his lips, and his head is tilting to the side.
“I never even considered it. I don’t mean to be harsh or anything, but Maddox and I study and work together, especially for class projects. It was just a gut reaction to ask him. Did you want me to ask you?” Great, now I’m tilting my head, mirroring him exactly.
“Why would I want you to? Silly question, really, but seeing as I will be taking over a multi-billion corporation, I could have been a real asset to you. I guess it’s a great lesson to take with you moving forward, when considering who to go with when you need help. The person you like or the one who has a working knowledge of the issue at hand.” He puts his cup in the sink and walks over to the back door and stares out into the garden.
“Emmet… what does your mom look like?” Sometimes I really want to punch myself. Case in point, times just like this.
His back stiffens as he turns just enough to glance at me over his shoulder, his look is indiscernible but it is certainly leaving me feeling a little unsettled. He reaches into his back pocket and pulls his wallet free. My heart is soaring, just a little, at the fact that he keeps a photograph of his mama in there. It’s sweet and makes him feel a little more approachable.
He holds his wallet out, leaving me no choice but to bridge the distance so I can take a look. My mouth is drier than the desert as I pad barefoot over to him. I try to swallow, but there’s nothing there and as I look at the photo, I can’t stop my hands from circling my stomach as I hug myself.
It’s not a shock, or at least it shouldn’t be. I guess I had hoped that she would have been the exception, especially with how Emmet has pursued me, and with the things that Shane tried to do. What does this even mean? How can he want me when I look so much like his mama? This feels so wrong, sordid, and all kinds of messed up. I can’t stop thinking about the times he’s kissed me and made my blood run hot.
“Do I even want to know what is running through that pretty little head of yours?” he asks with a smirk and it just turns my stomach even more. Does he know what I’m thinking? Is he enjoying what this is doing to me?
“I-I-I d-d-d-doubt it.” I need to get away, but there’s nowhere for me to run. I’m stuck in this place with a guy I don’t know, and I can’t ask him the questions that are plaguing my mind. Mainly because I haven’t got a clue how he will react to them.
“Have you ever wondered who the strangler is?” Well, his question has certainly jolted me out of my growing panic for a few moments.
“Of course, but I can’t figure it out. It has to be someone that either hates or wants you. Why else would they choose girls that you were last seen with, or use your name on the letter that lured me outside that night? I’m just glad nothing else has happened since. Maybe their failure threw them off.” I’ve been thinking about this and honestly, that’s the only explanation I can come up with.
“Oh, so you think these girls are being hurt because of me? Fucking typical.” He slides the back door open and storms outside and, for some reason, I’m rushing after him.
“Emmet, I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry.”
“I don’t need your apologies, Luna. So just fuck off back inside and leave me the hell alone. I don’t want you out here with me,” he screams it at me. He’s shaking as he spins around to look at me, before shaking his head with a sneer, and walking further away.
I don’t want to leave him like this, but I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to make this right or how to make him hear me. I guess all I can do is respect his wishes and hope that he’ll let me explain once he calms back down.
I walk back through the door and come face to face with a man I’ve never seen before. A startled scream escapes, and he shakes his head as though I’m annoying him.
“Calm down. This is why I don’t work with the girls.” He looks me over with a scowl on his face, before shaking his head. “The name’s Michael and I’m one of the guards. I’m to escort you to your room. So let’s get on with it so I can get back to what I’m being paid for.” With that, he turns around and stalks up the stairs and I have to rush to follow him. I miss Darius.
28
Entering The Lion’s Den
I can’t see Michael and I ever getting along. I guess I’m lucky I won’t see much of him, if at all, once I get back. I guess it doesn’t help that he has to babysit me while I find suitable clothes for tomorrow. I guess I thought Emmet would be with me for this, but he had already left when I got up this morning. I must have really hurt him with what I said, but I didn’t mean to, and it certainly hadn’t been my intention. I don’t understand what I did wrong, and this confusion is eating at me.
“Off you go, the store is closed for your duration. Try to keep it quick. Okay, girl?” Yep, I really dislike Michael. I nod my head in agreement anyway, as I rush into the top end boutique and look around at the clothes.
I don’t know what I’m looking for, it’s been so long since I dressed myself and I don’t think my style will go down well with the people I’m set to meet.
“You must be Luna. I’m Cassandra and I’m at your disposal,” says a thirtysomething woman who wastes no time in coming over to talk to me.
“Hi, Cassandra. Look, I’ll be honest with you. I have no idea what I’m looking for. This is all so new for me,” I say as I fidget with my hair and shuffle around on my feet.
“It’s okay, your boyfriend left a list of suitable clothing, and I’ve got a few outfits set out in the dressing room for you. So, why don’t you go inside, and we’ll see how they look?” she says with a kind smile and it’s putting me at ease. I don’t dare correct her on the whole boyfriend thing. I know I’m not allowed to mention what I really am to Emmet.