“Like what?”
“Like you have no idea what I am talking about. You have beard rash on your face and neck. Your lips are red and swollen, like someone sucked the shit out of it, and you have a mark on your neck. You were seen with him this morning, and then you disappeared. Everyone was looking for you.”
“Why is everyone looking for me?” I clutch my towel closer around me.
“Shadow stopped by, and he couldn’t find you. He left a message that he would return to meet with you for your interview.”
“He left me a message?”
She scoffs. “You’re really asking for it. Anders will lock you up if he finds out about this. I’m surprised he hasn’t been here already, chewing you out for going to the concert last night with Shadow.”
Why would I be the only one in trouble? We went to the concert as a group, including her.
She forces me to sit at my vanity and starts to work on my hair. “Please don’t tell me you gave him your V-card.”
“What?”
“He likes virgins.” I really have no idea who she is talking about. I also have no idea when Shadow left his supposed message.
“Wait. How do you know that?”
“Know about that asshat Terrell?” She looks at me through the mirror, and I catch a glimpse of pain flicker in her eyes before she blinks it away.
“He used you?” I ask.
She shrugs. “It was a long time ago.”
I grab her hand. “I didn’t give him my V-card.” I think through the usual people I worked with this morning. I don’t recall meeting anyone new today. “Did he force you?”
She shakes her head. “No. But he made me feel like I was special. Then, when I gave in, he dumped me the next day.”
What an asshole. Guilt fills my insides. I should tell her the truth, but no one can know that I was with Shadow. He could get fired or worse.
Sixes fixes my rat nest of hair and expertly applies makeup to cover the redness on my face and neck, including the hickey. Instead of meeting Shadow for an interview, it feels likepreparing for a date—the way she does my makeup and the clothes she set out for me to wear.
When Shadow returns, he conducts himself professionally. He stays on one side of the sitting room and doesn’t move. Every now and then, though, he gives me a sinful look, bites down on his lower lip, and then looks the other way. A couple of times, he cranes his neck, and I see the hint of an almost-black mark peeking above his collar.
I smile to myself. I did that. I marked him, and somewhere deep down, I like it.
“I think I have everything I need. Your second interview will be with the Leads and myself in a few days. At that time, we will inform you of our decision on whether you will be joining the recruit program.”
I nod, and we both stand at the same time.
“I will text you if I need anything else,” he adds.
I nod again and follow him out of the room. Joe meets us in the foyer and moves to open the door for him.
He extends his hand. “Thank you for letting me come…” He pauses for a few seconds. “To see you on such short notice.”
I shake his offered hand. I didn’t miss his innuendo. I smile. “Thank you for making the time to see me.” He gives me a courtesy nod and leaves. Smiling like a fool, I close the door. A blush creeps over my cheeks when I notice Joe studying me, but he doesn’t comment on our exchange.
“Miss Emily is in your room, waiting for you,” Joe informs me.
I thank him and rush upstairs. Emily sits on my bed’s lavender quilt with hints of green in the patchwork design propped up on matching pillows, watching a movie. I jump on my bed, kiss her cheek, and rest my head on her stomach.
“How was your interview?”
“How did you know I had an interview?”
