Page 2 of Out of Sight

Sabin smiled. “I thought we would have enough time to introduce you to some likely partners.”

“Why?” She looked at him blankly. “I have as much sex appeal as a soggy potato.”

He frowned and looked at her. “Your features are lovely, but you don’t have any scent.”

“Nope. An ex-boyfriend killed it.”

Nora gasped. “When?”

“Six years ago, I had a boyfriend, and he marked me and fucked off. I had to subdue the mark as it was pulling on energy I needed to live. I can’t afford to get it scrubbed, or I would. I can’t get him to reject me because he has plans for the energy he’s taking from me. He’s using it to buff up his stats.”

Nora asked, “Why don’t you ask the book club?”

Ted frowned. “The what?”

Nora murmured, “The book club. They help betas who have been altered or preyed on by alphas.”

“Oh. I haven’t heard about them, but then, my life is my computer and the occasional movie night out on my own. My friends don’t remember me after I leave. You two won’t remember me the moment I am out of sight. That’s why I sent the bill already. If I gave it to you in person, you would discard it. I have learned that the hard way.”

Sabin frowned. “We will forget you?”

“Yes. As soon as I clear out my office. I am literally out of sight and out of mind.”

Nora frowned. “I wanted you to come over this weekend.”

“If I do, you will remember me when you see me. I just disappear when I am not in front of you.”

Aurora fed her some fries.

Nora said, “Aurora, too?”

“She will remember, but she doesn’t talk much yet, so she can’t tell you who I am in detail. It’s okay. I am used to it.”

Nora muttered, “I am not. I don’t know many women who threaten to use industrial adhesive to stick Sabin to his office chair so he leaves you alone to work.”

Ted smiled. “I get cranky when I work.”

Nora asked softly, “Do you know who else has forgotten you?”

“Um, sure. Dell, Artemis, my friends Jessica and Stihl.”

Nora stared. “You are kidding.”

“Nope. I knew them all to one degree or another, and then I left their sight, and I was gone. That is why I focus on apps. They are short-term, and I get in and get out without making friends. Losing that often hurts.”

Sabin frowned. “How much does it cost to remove the mark?”

“I have been quoted forty thousand because it wasn’t an attack and was voluntary.”

“How much more do you need?”

“Twelve thousand. Your final payment of four thousand will get me to eight thousand.”

Sabin said, “May I give you the final eight thousand?”

“Yes. But it has to be done today. If it is tomorrow, you won’t remember.”

Nora said softly, “How many times has that happened?”