Page 73 of Rune
“You’re a terrible liar.”
“We’ll just… cover the mirrors until you don’t look so bad,” I offered.
That got a little laugh out of her.
“I’m sorry for barging in. I didn’t have your number to call you and ask if maybe this was related to you.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. I’m glad you came here. Even if it didn’t have anything to do with me. You shouldn’t be alone after shit like that.”
“I don’t think I could have stayed there. I was relieved when Chip suggested I go to you. Just so I had an excuse to get out of the house.”
“You don’t need an excuse to come here.”
“I know things get… complicated here because of, like, your hierarchy or whatever.”
“Baby, trust me, a woman who was nearly kidnapped isn’t the craziest thing that has happened here.”
“I don’t know if you’re bullshitting me or not.”
“One day, a woman walked in here with a bomb strapped to her chest. So, yeah, trust me, this isn’t gonna get me in trouble.”
“A bomb? Seriously?”
“Yep. We got lucky that we have a few ex-military guys around here who could defuse it before anything tragic happened.”
“That’s insane.”
“The craziest part is that the woman and the guy who got her free are married and starting a family.”
“But what if this,” she said, gesturing at her face, “is my fault after all?”
“First of all, it’s never your fault when some asshole puts his hands on you. Second, who would be kidnapping you? Chicken Lady’s husband? Baseboard Guy? It makes more sense to assume this has to do with me. And third, trust me, Fallon doesn’t give a shit. He’s been through it all.”
“Will I have to talk to him? About, you know, everything?”
That was a good question.
“I’m probably going to have to tell him. He might have some questions. But Fallon is a good guy. He’s not gonna hurt you. He might be a little brusque at times, but just because he wants to get to the bottom of things.”
“Okay.”
“I would be there too.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. We’re in this shit together. Before Spike gets back, though, you okay with coming into my room so I can check your ribs and anything else that might be hurt under your clothes?”
Despite everything, I could have sworn I saw a flash of heat before she banked it back down again.
“Yeah, okay.”
“Okay.” I got to my feet and offered her my hand. Judging by the way she winced and hissed and let me help pull her straight, I had a feeling she was a lot more hurt under there than I first realized.
I slid my hand into her good one and led her toward my room.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Carmen
