I shrugged. “He’s okay.”
Claude arched a single brow, and that’s when I remembered he could smell my emotions. Lies, truths, doubt, fear—the only way to avoid Claude sniffing out the truth was to avoid answering questions.
“I noticed earlier you’re still wearing that heart-shaped necklace. Didn’t he give you that?”
I could almost feel the stone burning against my skin. “Don’t read into it or else I’m going to have to spread rumors about all the snuggling you do with Gem.”
“Gem likes my cuddles.” He smirked while snipping the ends of my hair at an angle. “It’s good to see you loosening up.”
I furrowed my brow and shook my hair away. “What do you mean?”
Claude crossed around to the other side and trimmed a few ends. “When you first came into the house, your guard was up. It’s like that for everyone. I have to admit, when I first heard about theShadowkilling people in Breed bars, I never imagined the ruthless killer to look like you.”
I leaned my head back and grinned. “A lot of sleepless nights?”
“A few. Viktor’s decision to offer you a spot took me by surprise. I couldn’t figure out why Gem liked you so much, but now I get it.”
“Enlighten me. Istillhaven’t figured that one out.”
He combed out my tresses and held a long section straight up, a ribbon of hair falling loose as the scissors sliced together. “Blue’s disciplined, hardworking, and serious. She also likes to be one of the guys. Gem is drawn to people with a sense of humor, which you have. Albeit black humor. You’re not the first person I’d choose to deliver my eulogy, but you’re easy to talk to.”
“Thanks.”
“I’m not suggesting that Blue isn’t,” he quickly added, “but Gem gravitates toward people who are like her in some ways.”
That made me think of my odd little bond with Christian. I was already forming different connections with everyone in the house. I hadn’t grown up in a big family, and even though this was work, it was probably the closest thing to family I’d ever know again.
“There. Done.”
I blinked at myself in the mirror. “Already?”
He flung the scissors into an open drawer and mussed up my hair. “Regretting your decision? Because I could shave a little spot in the back—”
I slapped his hand. “Get away from me, Claude Scissorhands.”
He removed the gown tied around my neck and shook it out. “I’m closing up here soon—after I finish with Gem.” Claude lowered my chair using the foot pedal.
A woman handed him something, and the next thing I knew, he was wrapping a hot towel around my face, leaving just enough space in the center for me to breathe.
“Just relax and close your eyes,” he said, massaging my neck.
“That’s what I say to all my victims.”
* * *
Something jarredme out of my nap, and it took me a second to remember that I’d nodded off in Claude’s salon, and I wasn’t actually blind, but there was a towel on my face.
My hair stood on end when another pulse of energy crackled against my skin. It was stronger than a Mage flaring, like a spike in power you feel during a fight. I shot up in my seat and flung the towel to the floor. The salon was empty except for the sound of Gem and Claude talking loudly over the blow-dryer in the back. The floors were swept up, the drawers closed, and the employees gone.
The hair dryer switched off. Gem appeared, her wavy hair blown in every direction as if she’d stuck her finger in a light socket. The pale-lavender color was more vibrant and had an ombré effect that faded to silver.
“Did you feel that?” she asked, brushing her hands up her arms.
Claude’s nostrils flared as he stalked toward the front door. Gem and I followed behind him. Though it wasn’t completely dark outside, the lights in the parking lot had switched on. I rubbed my itchy neck and tried to dust away some of the tiny hairs.
The second Claude unlocked the door and cracked it open, he turned his head, and I watched his golden eyes morph to black.
“Claude, what’s wrong?”
