Page 4 of Pretty Little Shadow
"I just need cash. For Chinese food."
Everyone who knew about me knew I was obsessed with takeout food. It was the one character trait I didn't try to hide. I used it as a scapegoat, honestly.
They probably realized I was doing that, but it was better than having to actually explain things, which I wasn't willing to do.
"I can grab you some cash so you don't have to bartend." She gestured over her shoulder, toward the register.
"No thanks." I slid past her, pulling the notepad out of my apron’s pocket.
I wouldn't be there long, so she could stop panicking about me scaring her customers soon enough.
Multiple gazes landed on me as I stepped out behind the bar. I didn't make eye contact with any of them, either. That would be uncomfortable for all of us.
I didn't like the feel of their eyes. Actually looking into those eyes would be even worse.
"Can I get a cheer beer?" a woman asked me, leaning over the bar. She didn't seem to realize who I was, because her friend elbowed her hard and whispered something harshly into her ear.
I grabbed her a beer and slid it over. The woman gave me some cash, and I tucked it into the apron,
Lorelai was right that I didn't need money. Whoever picked up my apron next would find themselves just a little richer.
Grayson paid me more than I needed to kill people who deserved to die. It worked out for all of us, except the people I killed.
Technically, I had another bank account under my full name, too. I’d checked it online, before. Money wasn’t something I needed to worry about.
I spotted Darius easily.
Everyone in the room who wasn't looking at me was looking at him.
Like I said, he was magnetic.
Dare was solid muscle, and basically a giant, too. He was covered in large, raised scars and tiny, swirling bargain marks on every part of him but his face. His skin was brown, his dark hair was messy, and his stubble was overgrown. All he had on was a pair of cargo-style joggers, and a tight t-shirt.
I studied him for a moment, checking to see if he was flirting with anyone. I didn't really know what flirting looked like, but he wasn'ttouchinganyone. That was good, right?
Some guy was leaning against his side, staring at him like he hung the moon. Some girl had her hand on his arm. He didn't even really seem to notice either of them.
People had been like that when we were at the fight together, too. They touched him like they couldn't help it, and he didn't care or even acknowledge it.
I cared, though.
I was trying not to. There was no reason for the ridiculous possessiveness currently coursing through me like a fucking fire in my veins. There wasdefinitelyno reason to murder the man and woman hanging off him, even though I could clearly imagine myself doing exactly that.
Someone at Dare's table looked at me, and gawked. They must've said something, because everyone else at the table turned too.
Including Darius.
His gaze locked with mine, and his lips curved upward. Just slightly.
Shit.
I wasn't ready.
Needed to leave.
I focused on my shadows, scrambling to work the magic as I attempted to transport through it, back to my apartment.
Darius pushed the woman's hand off him and literally stepped over her.
