She frowns, then shrugs like I’m stupid and clearly blind. “Axel said . . .” I trail off, realising he was having me on. “Never mind.”
Remi pushes to stand. “I have to start my shift,” she mutters, passing me to leave.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
She nods, but her smile is forced. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”
“You just seem, I dunno, off?”
“I’m fine, Shadow.”
“Logan,” I snap as she heads out the door.
“Whatever,” she calls back.
“What did you do?” whispers Atlas as he eyes Remi.
It’s the second drink she’s slammed down in front of me. The first I thought might have been a mistake, so I ordered the second on purpose just to see, and as I wipe up perfectly good sparkling water, I shrug. “Fuck if I know, brother.”
“You’ve upset her,” Kasey states.
“No shit,” mutters Atlas.
“Are you two a thing?” she asks.
“No,” I mutter, shaking my head. “I’m just helping her out.”
“Does she know you’re not interested?”
“It hasn’t come up,” I say while my mind races for the right words. Because I never said I wasn’t interested, but I’m not.Am I?
“Hey, Remi,” Kasey calls. I exchange a wary look with Atlas, who mutters something about her being a bull in a China shop. Remi comes over, her eyes avoiding me. “Are you into Shadow?”
I glare, my mouth falling open.
“What are you, twelve?” Atlas snaps.
“Honesty is the best policy,” Kasey defends.
“I’m busy,” Remi mutters, heading away again.
Atlas grabs Kasey. “Let’s get back to work,” he insists, dragging her off.
I wait for Remi to move back closer, and as she grabs a bottle, I say, “Sorry.”
She slowly turns. “For what?”
“Kasey and her big mouth.” When she goes to walk away again, I add, “And whatever else I did to upset you today. Maybe the cuffs were a bit much.”
“I don’t like being tied up, held down, or cuffed, fluffy or otherwise. I just don’t . . .” She takes a shaky breath. “It brings back bad memories. Nothing good ever comes from being secured.”
I stand. “Jesus,” I mutter. “I’m so sorry, Rem. I didn’t even think.” I groan. “Shit. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’m just being sensitive.” She adds an unsure laugh like she’s trying to convince us both it’s fine.
“I feel like a prick,” I mutter. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“Is he causing you heartache already?” I glance over my shoulder as Ragnor enters. He shakes my hand then takes a seat at the bar. “A water, please, gorgeous.”
