Page 14 of Legion
“Oryou’ll discover with time and distance that you’re wrong in what you presently believe, and you’ll be thankful that I directed you to stay clear of Naomi.”Luka flicked a hand.“Go.”
Obediently, the psi-demon left with Raiden.
Mikhail took a few steps toward Luka.“Spelled by a siren song or not, the guy is definitely fixated on her.”
“So it would seem.”It wasn’t something that Luka could relate to.He’d never even developed so much as a remote fondness for any of the women in his past.He’d never experienced obsession, adoration, or possessiveness toward them.
As a child, he had been wildly territorial of what was his.He hadn’t merely refused to share his toys, he’d hidden his favorites from others.His father had handled it by taking any such favorites from him.
Andrey Belinsky hadn’t done it to be cruel.He’d simply wanted to crush Luka’s tendency to form attachments—for the head of a crime family like theirs, attachments could be weaknesses.
There were many lessons that Andrey had taught his son in his efforts to prepare him for a position that, placing him as it would at the top of the hierarchy, would set him slightly apart from the rest of his lair.Those lessons had paid off, but it meant that Luka didn’t know hownotto be alone.He instinctively shied away from emotional intimacy, as did his inner entities.
“Don’t be surprised if he ignores your order,” said Nikandr, moving to stand beside his brother.“Naomi’s song has him all tied up in knots.”
“And those knots are tight,” added Mikhail.“He might feel in so much emotional pain that risking your wrath would be worth it if only he could convince her that he truly does love her.”
Chewing on that, Luka twisted his mouth.“Have one of our demons keep an eye on him, just to be sure.”
Mikhail gave a curt nod.
Luka pushed out of his chair.“I have a meeting to attend.Let’s get moving.”
Swiping an old tee from her dresser, Naomi shook her head.Some people are their own worst enemy, she telepathed Tobe.It isn’t as if Stefan wasn’t warned what would happen if he didn’t back off.
He actually seemed shocked that I followed through on my threat, said Tobe.He genuinely feels that he should be an exception to your ‘I don’t meet with clients’ rule.Ifeel that he should fuck off.
Samesies.Naomi closed the drawer.Why he’d think that he’d be an exception, I have no clue.
He seemed to believe you’d be flattered that he admires your work so much he’s determined to meet you.
She huffed.I guess all his success has gone to his head.
Success he only has because ofyou.
Naomi hung her tee over her shoulder and then dragged open a lower drawer.How did he take being told that I won’t be producing art for him anymore?
Badly.Realbadly.He knows that without you his career will tank.
I’m not sure it’ll tank.There are other ghost artists he could hire.Naomi nabbed a pair of sweatpants she regularly used when painting.She reserved her Sundays for letting her creativity stretch out, and she had a bare canvas waiting for her in the spare bedroom that she had made into a workroom.
But they’d have to be able to imitate the exact style you’ve used for his art—it’s that style that’s given him so much success.If they fail, it’ll be game over for him.
Then he’d better hope they don’t fail.
Just then, her doorbell rang.
It seems I have a visitor.I’ll talk to you again later, okay?She frowned when there was no response from Tobe.Hello?
Sorry, got distracted.
What exactly are you doing?
Trying to dodge red laser beams so I don’t set off an alarm system.
Naomi cursed, dumping her clothes on the bed.You are unbelievable.Intending to lecture him later, she pled,Be careful.
Always am, he assured her breezily.
