Page 30 of Below The Surface
“Everything okay? Got any leads on—” I ask and peek at the screen. “Oh.” I chuckle and shake my head. “Working on your next Loki and Captain America story.”
“Loki and Captain America?” Dallas asks.
“Yeah, that’s Ken’s ship. I don’t get it either. I kinda hate Cap if I’m being completely honest, but to be fair, I also haven’t seen past…” I tip my head from side to side trying to remember how many of these damn movies I’ve seen. “I don’t know Civil War? I don’t keep up with any of it. But she’s a bit feral for Loki and likes to pair him with anyone and everyone.”
“He’s a fan favorite, from what I’ve seen.”
“Will you two shut the fuck up! I’m right at the point where Cap is about to kiss Loki.”
“Please proceed.” I flourish my hand and lead Dallas to the kitchen. “Want something to drink?” Please say yes.
“Just some water would be great.”
I grab a cup and drop a tiny,tinyroofie in it before filling it with ice and water from the fridge. We keep a stash of roofies for our own protection. If someone gets too frisky in a way we don’t enjoy, we offer a drink and they pass out for a bit. Then we either let them sleep it off here or we dump them at their place and they wake up confused but unharmed.
I don’t need Dallas asking questions about why I’m heading back out after claiming I need a nap. I just need him to sleep.
He takes my offer and drinks deeply. Thank fuck.
“Let me show you to the guest bedroom.” Not that he’ll spend much time in there, I’m sure.
“Thanks.”
“And you know where the bathroom is.” I wave towards the door. “Here’s your room until we find your creepy stalker.” I wave to the door for him.
“Is it decorated with fish too?” He asks.
“Sadly, no. Ken said I could decorate my room, and the shared living spaces, but we weren’t subjecting guests to being stared at by fish all night.”
Dallas’s laugh gets interrupted by a yawn.
“Come on, you need a nap.” I tug on his hand and pull him into the room.
“Landscapes.”
“Watercolor landscapes,” I say. They’re so peaceful. It’s probably the most peaceful room in the apartment.
Dallas face plants into the bed without taking his shoes off. “I didn’t realize how damn tired I was. I can’t even keep my eyes open.”
I work on tugging his shoes off and putting them by the door. “Just relax. It’s been a long, long day. You’re safe here. We have a boatload of security measures.” None of which he’ll ever know. “Plus, Ken’s here, and she’s a badass.”
“You’re a badass,” he mumbles.
“I’m glad you realize that.” But I hope he never has to see me in full badass activated mode.
“Stay with me?” He holds out his hand and reaches for me.
“You sure?” I need to at least wait until he’s passed out before I can go. Maybe I can stay just a tiny bit. Watch him sleep. He asked for it so it wouldn’t be creepy, right?
I let him tug me in next to him and I fit perfectly. He’s all warm. Cozy. Still smells like the burger joint, like I’m sure I do, too.
“Just a few minutes,” I mumble and snuggle in under his chin. His arm goes around me and he’s out.
8
CASEY
I lay in Dallas’s arms for a little longer than necessary, but when I know he’s completely out, I crawl out of bed and tiptoe backward to the door. I watch with every step to make sure he didn’t move.
