He gave a satisfied smile. “It’s just temporary. I don’t want these books in my house, and you can keep them there and try to sell what you can. No one around here reads that shit. You’ll see.”
“Then why did you rent it?”
“Because I knew it would make you happy, and that’s all I’m trying to do. Besides, having a temporary job will be a good learning experience. Then you can see what hard work really is and appreciate what I do for you.” He patted my knee andstraightened. “I can only afford a month, so that’s all you’ll get. After that, I’m boxing the rest up and selling them to a collector. They’ll make a cash offer for the whole thing, but if I can’t get a decent price, I’ll be out money on the lease. That’ll be your fault, and you’ll owe me.”
I flung my arms around him, relieved that the books weren’t going to a dumpster or thrift store. “I promise that won’t happen. You’ll see. I’ll sell the heck out of those books.”
He stroked my back softly and laughed into the crook of my neck. “You know I’d do anything for my girl. I was having a shitty night after that stunt you pulled. You can’t invite strangers inside when I’m not here to protect you. Just thinking about that had me rattled all night. What if something had happened to you?”
I leaned back and tucked my hair behind my ear. Suddenly the reality of sitting in a store by myself and dealing with customers gnawed the pit of my stomach. “What about the store? I’ll be alone.”
“I can’t babysit you, Cecilia. But I asked around, and there’s a guy who does security work. He’s coming out later to install cameras and link them to my phone. I’ll be able to check in on you whenever I want. You have to promise me you won’t leave the shop.”
“I won’t. But will the local Council allow it? You know they don’t like cameras in Breed places.”
“My name’s on the lease. If they have a problem with it, they can come see me. We’ll hang a sign so everyone knows they’re being watched. Anyhow, it’s only an issue if we’re recording. This is a live feed that goes to my phone.” He looked toward the window. “I just need to find someone to move those boxes in the next couple of days. What about the guys who brought them here?”
I shook my head. “They work out of town. You have to schedule an appointment way out.”
He met my eyes. “I’ll worry about the hard stuff. Promise me you won’t go behind my back anymore.”
I nodded.
“Good girl. Stay inside today. My animal wants out, so don’t cook any meat. My tiger prefers prey, but in case the hunt is unsuccessful, don’t entice him.”
“Okay.”
Noah gently turned my chin to face him. “I’m serious. If you get spooked and shift out of fear, how do you think your mare will react inside the house? And if she’s outside and runs… well, you know the worst mistake is to run from a predator.”
“You don’t eat Shifters, do you?”
Noah rocked with laughter. “You’re adorable. No, Cecilia. Shifters don’t eat each other. Not unless we’re battling or there’s a food shortage. So you better be good, or I just might eatyou.” He playfully lunged for my neck and snarled.
I smiled until he bit my shoulder a little too hard. “Ouch. That hurts.”
Noah rose from the bed. “Can I get you anything else? Let me see if there’s any orange juice left.” He shuffled out of the room.
Perhaps Noah was right about the books. Most of the people I’d seen around here didn’t seem like the literary type. Milly might buy a few, but would it be enough to recoup Noah’s expenses? I desperately wanted to prove him wrong and also honor my father by showing that his life’s work had value.
Noah returned with a juice glass. “If you want to know how you can make it up to me, I have an idea.” He took the tray off my lap and set it on the bedside table with the juice. Then he leaned in and kissed my neck. “Lie down, Cecilia. This won’t take long.”
Chapter 5
As promised, Noah had set up security in the building that would be my temporary shop. Though I hadn’t seen it yet, I had a sense of trepidation about running a store alone.
Now I was confronted with the grief of letting go. All of my father’s books that he had spent centuries collecting would be scattered to the wind. Books he’d once shelved proudly, handled with care, pored over, and discussed at great length with me would belong to strangers who might not love them as much. Who might use them to decorate an office or carelessly toss into a fireplace for kindling.
Two days had passed since Noah delivered the good news about the store, and today we were finally moving the books. He’d found someone with a truck to help with transporting them.
While he was gone, I moved the couch against the far wall to clear a path to the spare bedroom. After dragging the welcome mat away from the door, I heard several engines revving up the drive.
Noah’s black Camaro appeared first, and behind him, a large white truck and a smaller black one followed. Noah parked to theleft, and the trucks rearranged themselves before backing in toward the house. When the drivers shut off the engines, Noah got out to talk to them.
The black truck rose an inch when a colossal man emerged from the driver’s side. His long-sleeved army-green shirt looked thin and painted on. He stroked his bushy beard while exchanging words with Noah. I recognized him from that fateful night. He was the guy kneeling by Mercy with tears in his eyes.
Please don’t recognize me. Please don’t recognize me.
I walked to the doorway, wondering if I should hide in the bedroom. Instead, I crossed an arm over my middle and shielded half my face with the other hand. He had only seen me that night for a second, and it was dark. Still, my heart ticked at a wild speed. Noah knew nothing about that night, nor did I want him to.
