Chapter 57
844words
'Tell me, Avy," he demanded with a wicked grin, 'is she everything you hoped for?"
I winced apologetically and struggled to find something to say. He was just toying with me now. Letting me stew in whatever catastrophes had yet to come.
'She's...certainly something."
'You know, that's always been Avy's problem." He raised up Elisia's fingers and kissed her across the knuckles, grinning at me over the top of her hand. 'So secretive. So guarded. You never know what's going on inside that demented little head."
All my red flags shot up at once, waving around frantically to get my attention.
Something terrible was about to happen. I just didn't know exactly what...
Nicholas, plea
se. I'm sorry, okay. Let's just go. Leave the crazy behind, and go.
I sent the message telepathically with my eyes, but even though he knew exactly what I was thinking, he wasn't letting me off the hook so easily. Instead, he straightened up with an anticipatory smile—still holding onto Elisia's clawed hand.
As for Elisia herself, she seemed completely unaware of the fact that the two of us had been having a completely different conversation this entire time. The entire time we'd been talking, her head had bounced back and forth like a tennis match—latching onto random words and out of context phrases. Mostly, she was just thrilled that Nicholas was holding her hand.
'Well—aren't the two of you just so sweet," she drawled, clearly thrilled that we'd all gotten on the same page. 'Who's up for some squid?!"
And...that's my limit.
'Actually, Ms. Campbell, these meetings are usually a bit more formal than that," I said quickly, making a grand show of bustling around to gather up my purse. If Nicholas wasn't going to end this train wreck, I'd have to do it myself. 'Just drinks and chit-chat—you know the drill."
Elisia stood up quickly.
'Oh...of course."
I pushed to my feet—yanking Nicholas up along with me—and extended my hand to shake.
'Thank you so much for taking the time. We'll definitely put you on the short list—"
'What's the point?" Nicholas interjected.
I froze momentarily, then shot him a look.
No need to say it in front of her. I know she's deranged, but have a heart.
'The point is, we want to explore all our options, but Elisia's been so sweet." My smile tightened dangerously. 'We most definitely want to keep her in mind—"
'No, I mean, what's the point of having a short list?" With an ease and charm that took my breath away, he slipped an arm around her waist. 'I think we've found our girl."
'You're kidding!" Elisia squealed, jumping up and down.
'You're kidding," I repeated, feeling like the walls were closing in.
Nicholas flashed me a devilish grin, ignoring the bimbo beside him—leaping for the sky.
'Not at all. When you bring me such a qualified candidate, how can I possibly say no?"
By shaking your head? By sending her away? By showing an ounce of mercy and sparing me from the horrors I'd so foolishly set upon you?
'Well, that's..." I swallowed back the taste of bile, and started again, 'that's wonderful."
'Isn't it though?" Nicholas flashed me another grin, before turning to Elisia. 'You're going to love Avy—she's simply the best. In fact," he grabbed a pen off the receptionist's counter, 'I'm going to give you her private cell—just to make sure you can get a hold of her. Day and night."
My world got a little darker with every number he scribbled. Where was Oklahoma from here anyway? Maybe they had room for one more...?
'Well, thank you both so much for meeting me." Elisia actually leaned in and gave me a tight hug—leaving what was sure to be two silicone-shaped bruises on my collarbone. 'I'll be sure to give you a call—I know I'm going to have a lot of questions."
Kill me now.
'No problem, Elisia. Thanks for coming in."
'And you." She turned to Nicholas with a chilling smile. 'I think you and I are going to have a lot of fun together." She stretched up on her toes and whispered in his ear. 'A lot of fun."
When she pulled away, she left a ring of bright pink lip gloss on his skin. He seemed determined not to think about it. He just focused on me instead.
'I can't wait."
She left without another word. Left us standing—ironically—in front of a tank where the sushi bar kept its lobster. The same lobster that had gotten us into this mess in the first place.
'Well this has to be a first," Nicholas murmured, watching as her cab shot away into traffic.
I followed his gaze for a moment, before turning back—suddenly remembering that I had left my butter knife back on the table. 'What's a first?"
He folded his arms across his chest with a dangerous smile.
'It looks like you've got some explaining to do..."
