- Aftermath of targets death: Peace resides once more. Dispose of Alexa Hart to clear all association to events.
That last line repeats louder and louder in my mind.
Dispose of Alexa Hart.
Fuck me.
Ten
Welcome Home
We passthe little apartment I first met Tylin in. I don’t mention it when Mouse leads me farther down the street. I don’t say a word when we walk for miles.
“You’re quieter than you were this morning.” His arm bumps mine just slightly as we walk side by side.
A woman passes by, her steps clicking nicely beneath her expensive heels. She glances slowly between Mason and myself.
I wonder what the two of us look like? I haven’t strolled through the city in years. At least, not in broad daylight. I peer at him from the corner of my eye. He’s handsome. In the eyes of a passerby, are we just a quiet couple?
It’s odd, but I’d never wish for that life. As crazy as my life is, I don’t want simplicity. I want excitement and self-worth.
My job provides that for the most part.
The lines that slice through the pavement hold my attention as we walk in near silence.
At least, it would be silence if Mouse could take a hint.
“Did something happen this morning?” He tips his head down, trying to pry into my line of sight as we walk at a brisk pace.
“Are we almost there?”
He releases a quiet sigh that tells me he doesn’t like being left out of my thoughts.
Pout all you like. Your pretty face doesn’t always get you your way, Mason.
“Yeah, it’s just around the corner here.” His hands push into his pockets and we do a decent job of pretending to ignore each other for a few minutes.
Until he pushes into my business once more.
“If he hurt you, you could tell me.”
He.He means Armond.
What does Mason really think his powers can do against the leader of the Lifeless League? Throw him the most surprising of surprise parties?
Because that’s it. There is no revenge that can be had in this life. Not against a league of faceless assassins. And certainly not against Armond.
“I’m a big girl, Mase. I can take care of myself.”
“Sure. Sorry if I was overly kind to you. I’ll try not to let that happen again.” The serious tone of his voice sinks right into me.
As we cross the empty street, he seems to make a point of walking ahead of me. He keeps his gaze prominently held away from me.
Well, don’t I feel like an asshole.
The one person who’s trying to be a real friend in my life and I treat him like… I’ve been treated for the last five years.
When his hand grips the steely gate and pushes it open for me, his eyes lock on mine. My shoulder skims his soft shirt and—possibly intentionally—against his strong chest. A pressing energy twirls through me from the small contact. A gravelly sound rumbles through him as he clears his throat.
