“It’s just Remi,” she says bluntly, and I almost smile.
“Hey, did you go speak to Amy about the job?”
She places his water on the bar. “Yeah, it didn’t work out.”
“Why?”
Remi sighs heavily, like her patience is all out. “She was a cow,” she says, arching a brow, “and she told me there were no positions.”
“Shit, sorry, Remi,” he says sincerely. “Leave it with me and I’ll find something else.”
“It’s fine. Don’t bother. I’m thinking of moving on anyway.”
I frown. “What?” I’m surprised how much her words bother me.
“There’s nothing for me here. And if I stay too long, trouble will find me.”
Her words hit like a sucker punch.Moving on.
My throat goes tight, and I hate that it does. I cover it with a scoff. “And where the hell would you go?”
“Anywhere,” she says with a shrug that looks casual but feels like a blade to my ribs. “Doesn’t matter. Just not here.”
“Running again?” I press, knowing my words will get a reaction.
Her eyes flash, wounded and defensive all at once. “Surviving,” she corrects, her voice cold. “There’s a difference.”
Before I can push back, Ragnor leans his elbows on the bar, eyes flicking between us with that easy grin that always makes me want to put a fist through his teeth. “She’s right, you know.This city eats people alive if they don’t belong. But I could help you land on your feet, Remi. Different kind of work. Safer.”
Her chin tips up, suspicion warring with temptation. “What kind of work?”
“The kind that pays,” he says smoothly. “And the kind where you don’t have to watch your back every second.”
I slam my water bottle down hard enough to rattle the glasses. “She doesn’t need your fucking help, Ragnor.”
His grin widens, lazy, taunting. “Funny, brother. From where I’m sitting, it sounds like she just said shedoes.”
Remi sighs, rubbing her temples. “God, you two. Do I look like a prize in some pissing contest? Because newsflash, I’m not.” She shoots me a glare before throwing the towel on the bar and stomping outside.
Shadow
I watch Remi head out and fight the urge to rush after her. It’ll only fuel Ragnor’s need to challenge me. I wait for him to get distracted with Axel before getting off my stool and heading out.
I see her standing against the wall, her head tipped back against the brickwork, eyes shut like she’s trying to block the world out. Relief that she didn’t run hits so hard, it’s almost painful.
She looks up when I move closer, her voice sharp. “I just need a minute.”
I nod, keeping my tone light. “I’ll be as quiet as a mouse.” I take the spot beside her, close enough to guard but far enough to not crowd.
“You really don’t have to watch me all the time,” she says, folding her arms. “I’m not going anywhere yet.”
“Yet,” I echo. “It’s that part I’m worried about.”
She turns, exasperated. “Why do you care? Axel doesn’t even want me here.”
“I do.” The words come out before I can stop them. Too honest, but it’s the truth, and she needs to hear it.
Her eyes catch mine, wary but curious. “Why are you being so nice to me, Logan?”
