Tree nods, and his eyes slide shut.
“Yes, let’s hope you didn’t. Otherwise, you’ll be out of a job, and my store will go back to being a mess.”
I chuckle, though I know I shouldn’t find it funny, and he pats my cheek, silencing me.
Tree’s readings are not jarring by any means. In many ways, they are less intrusive than Dred’s mind weave. It is difficult to feel Tree as he weeds through you, unlike Dred, who you can almost feel prying you apart. Tree’s power feels more like the sensation of eyes on the back of your head. Like you know, you’re being watched, but you can’t exactly tell from where or by whom.
I sit quietly as he examines me, and when he’s finished, he steps away, storing his hands back in his coat pockets.
“Curious,” he mutters, frowning. “The girl. She means a great deal to you.”
I nod, though he did not ask.
“Yes.”
“But you do not love her,” he says.
Again, it is not a question, but a statement of known fact. But even so, I can’t bring myself to affirm it aloud. To do so feels like quitting, like giving up on her. And I’m not ready to do that. Even though it is true. I do not love her.
“You sacrifice a great deal in her name,” Tree says when I do not answer. “Why?”
“Because I want to.”
“That is rather circular, my boy.”
“No, Tree, you misunderstand. I sacrifice for her because, more than anything, Iwantto love her.”
My head bows, ears ringing as the dampener threatens to smother me.
“I would love her,” I declare. “If I were capable of it.”
Chapter27
Wouldn't You Do Anything?
IRIS
I don’t arguewhen Elliot directs Dame to take me home. I could use a moment to myself and a shower. Plus, I’m not interested in hanging around Crescent House without him. Even though I’m claimed, the stares never really stop, not unless he’s there.
Dame is kind enough to walk me, but once inside, he hovers like I might fall apart at any moment and leave my head, legs, and arms sprawled about the room like a broken doll. So the moment he starts pacing, I send him on his way. Which seemed like the right decision until I realized I actually don’t want to be alone right now.
The apartment is too empty, and the quiet feels suddenly stifling as I stand in the middle of our little living room, wondering what the hell I’m supposed to do.
Elliot’s been detained for a crime I committed. There’s a psychotic demon running around trying to blackmail me. I still can’t find my favorite book. And most importantly, but possibly the worst news of all, is that I think I’m in love with Elliot Cross.
“Oh, fuck me,” I mutter, collapsing onto the sofa to stare at the ceiling.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh fates!” I curse, spinning and practically jumping out of my skin at the sound of Elsie’s voice.
“Girl!” I shout. “You scared the shit out of me. Did you just wink in here?”
She nods, a little smile on her face that tells me she thinks she’s very funny. Little does she know I almost threw the remote at her head.
“Yeah,” she says. “I just came to?—”
“Change?” I finish for her, dropping back down onto the couch.
