“The FBI office downtown.” I screwed my eyes shut, bracing for her reaction.
“I’ll be right there.”
I disconnected the call, grateful she hadn’t pressed for answers. We were going to be kicked out of our apartment; there was no way around it. At least I hadn’t been arrested. So much for having a better day.
2
Ana pulled up to the building entrance, and I rushed outside, nearly colliding with Adrian. He gripped my arms, steadying me. “Careful, I wouldn’t want to have to arrest you for assaulting an agent.” His eyes twinkled.
“I don’t mind being handcuffed,” I shot back before I could stop myself. I stepped out of his arms, needing to distance myself before my powers could overtake us. “But I’ve had enough of the FBI for one day.”
“Enough of the FBI or of me?”
I shrugged, fleeing down the steps to the street and chancing one more glimpse back at him. He stood tall, proud, his hands gripping the railing as he stared out over the city as if it was his domain. Even in his suit, I could detect broad shoulders and powerful thighs; he looked more like a beast than a man. He was magnificent.
I tore my eyes away from him and climbed into the passenger seat. We rode in silence a few minutes before Ana finally spoke. “So, are you going to tell me what you were doing at the FBI office?”
I sighed, weighing my options. I could continue to lie—which definitely wasn’t working out so well—or I could tell her the truth. Maybe it was time for some honesty.
“I went back to a guy’s room, not knowing he was wanted for forging art and bank notes. The FBI busted him while I was there.”
“Oh my gods.” She glanced at me before turning her attention back to the road. I could tell she was wavering between laughter and concern. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. They questioned me but seem to have ruled out the possibility that I was involved.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” She pulled into the parking lot of our complex, and I followed her up to the apartment.
“Thanks again for coming to get me. I would have taken a cab, but…” I stopped myself, immediately wishing I could take it back. When I didn’t say anything more, she stared expectantly at me.
“You would’ve taken a cab, but…what?”
“But the FBI confiscated most of my cash.” I focused my attention on the floor, my plum-colored nails, anywhere but on Ana.
“They can’t do that!”
“They can if you’re in possession of forged bank notes.”
She cocked her head to the side, and I could see the wheels turning. “Why would you have forged bank notes, unless…” She shook her head. “Please tell me you weren’t using your powers to steal from him.”
“Does it still count as stealing if they’re forged?”
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then reopened them. “Why were you stealing?”
“I was bored,” I said, although it came out as more of a question.
“Nope, I don’t buy it. When you were bored in the past, you…I don’t know, had a threesome. You didn’t steal.” There was no judgment, just disappointment. Which was worse, definitely worse. “You’ve been acting strange for weeks. What’s really going on?”
I was out of time and ideas. Better that I break the news we were going to be kicked out than risk Anthony opening his big mouth.
“I lost my job, our rent is overdue, and we’re going to be evicted if we don’t pay the remaining nine hundred by the end of the week.”
Hurt flashed through her eyes, slicing me to the core. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I thought I had it under control.” And I didn’t want you to worry.
“Under control?” she scoffed. “Wow, if this is ‘under control,’ I’d hate to see what out of control looks like. You’re lucky you didn’t get arrested.” She scrutinized me, likely waiting for me to confess that I had.
“Like I said, wrong place, wrong time. I got off with a warning.”
She narrowed her eyes. “That’s all?”
“I swear. Even if I’d wanted to use my powers against Adrian, it was too big of a risk.”
“Adrian, huh? You’re on a first-name basis with Officer Sexy?”
“Special agent, actually. You noticed him too?” I asked, thankful for the reprieve.
“Kind of hard not to notice that mountain of a man. Don’t try to change the subject.” She wagged a finger at me. “We can discuss him later, but first, we need to figure out what we’re going to do.
“I can tutor some students, but it won’t be enough. I hate to even suggest it, but what about asking Mom and our dads for a loan?”
I shook my head. “No. They have enough on their plate with Mom’s illness. We’ll figure something out.”
“Thanks, Katherine,” the receptionist said with a saccharine smile. “I’ll be sure to pass your resume on.” Right—more like, chuck it in the recycling bin, I thought.
“It’s Katerina, and I appreciate it.” I thanked her for her time, trudging toward the elevator with a deep sigh.
With two days left until eviction, we were still six hundred dollars short. Ana had dropped me off on her way to class, and I’d spoken with no less than ten receptionists, only to be told the same thing over and over. No one was hiring.
I stepped out onto the sidewalk, fumbling in my purse for my sunglasses. Cars and people rushed by, reminding me of all the reasons I loved living in a big city—the controlled chaos, the energy, the excitement. While some complained it was crowded and expensive, I drank it all in, from the hot dog vendor frying onions to the blaring horn symphony of passing cars.
“Katerina?” a familiar voice called.
“Declan? What are you doing here?”
Declan Ashworth was as handsome as I remembered, with dark skin, warm brown eyes, and a bright smile. Although I’d always been attracted to him, we’d never been more than friends. Probably because I’d made it a firm rule not to date or hook up with anyone in my circle of friends, at least not once I understood how different I truly was.
“I could ask you the same.” He pulled me in for a quick hug before kissing my cheek. The spicy scent of his cologne flooded me with memories of our years in college. “My office is just down the block. You?”
“I wish. I’m actually hunting for a job, without much success.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I’m headed out for some lunch, want to join me? My treat,” he added, perhaps sensing my hesitation.
“I’d love to.”
We spent the next hour catching up on our lives since graduation, and it was as though no time had passed at all. He had that easy familiarity, the kind of relaxed charm that made it nearly impossible not to adore him. Despite how much I was enjoying myself, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. I pushed it aside, telling myself to stop being paranoid after my brush with the FBI. But when my phone vibrated against my hip moments later, I nearly jumped out of my skin. I ignored his curious stare and saw Ana’s name flash across the screen.
“Excuse me, I need to take this.” I rose from the table, and Declan stood. I connected the call and held the phone to my ear, hastening my steps so as not to interrupt the other diners. “Ana?”
“Why are we whispering?” she asked.
“Sorry,” I finally said at a normal volume once I’d exited onto the street. “I was in a restaurant. I can talk now.”
“Charming another stranger into buying you lunch? Just make sure you know who you’re getting into bed with this time.” She was in a good mood.
“Ha-ha. No, I ran into one of my friends from college. What’s up? I thought you had class.”
“I do, but I wanted to run an idea by you.” Her excitement was palpable. “One of the resident assistants on campus had to withdraw suddenly, and the director of student housing is desperate to replace her. He wants me to move in immediately, and I could live rent-free until graduation, meals included.”
“I’m sure I can handle it. Plus, since I’d be living on campus, I wouldn’t need the car. And it means you could get a studio, something cheaper.”
She had it all planned out, and she was so enthusiastic. There was nothing to do but say, “Sounds great.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel like I’m ditching you.”
“Absolutely. Don’t worry about me.” I straightened and looked to the sky. “Go for it. I’m so happy for you.” And I was, but Ana was more than my sister, she was my best friend, one of the few people who knew about my powers and accepted me despite them. It wasn’t like I thought we’d live together forever, but…still. I’d never been good with change, and I felt light-headed as I tried to process this latest upheaval.
“I have to get to class, but I’ll see you later. Love you, sis.”
“Love you too.” I disconnected the call and returned to the restaurant with a sense of hopelessness.
I knew Ana was trying to help, but there was a shortage of apartments in the city. Even if I could find one on such limited notice, it would have to be farther from downtown to be anywhere close to my budget. But none of that mattered because without a job, or even a job offer, I wouldn’t be able to show the necessary proof of income a rental agent would surely require.
“Everything okay?” Declan asked once I was seated.
I picked at the food on my plate. The meal was delicious, but I’d lost my appetite. “My sister and I have been searching for a new place to live, somewhere more affordable, and she was offered a position as an RA.”
“That’s great news.” He smiled, and I attempted one in return, but based on his reaction, I was guessing it looked more like a grimace. “Isn’t it?”
“It is. I just assumed we’d move to a new place together.”
“I have some real estate contacts I’d be happy to reach out to.”
“I appreciate the offer, but their properties would probably be out of my budget, and I’m short on time.”
“How long do you have—a month, two weeks?” He held his glass to his lips, sipping his water.
“Two days.” He nearly spewed his drink across the table, and I covered my mouth to stifle a laugh. I knew it wasn’t funny, but it was either that or cry. My life was officially a disaster.
“Move in with me,” he blurted. I searched his face for any signs of magic. I’d been careful not to touch him, his eyes were clear, and he seemed alert, excited even.
“What? No, I can’t do that.”
“Why not? I have an extra room, and you need a place to stay. My apartment is located in the heart of the city, and I’m rarely home. And if you’re worried about money—don’t.”
I crossed my arms, scrutinizing him. He couldn’t be serious, could he? I’d always known Declan to be generous and considerate, but it had been several years since I’d seen him. What if he was nothing like the easygoing guy I remembered? I’d certainly changed.
“Come on, Kati,” he said, calling me by the nickname few people used. “It’ll be fun. Trust me.”
“Yeah, the last time I trusted you, I ended up jumping off a cliff.” Literally. We’d gone out to Elephant Butte with friends, and he’d convinced me to go cliff diving.
“And you loved every minute.” He smirked. “So, what do you say?”
Spending time with Declan did sound like fun, and I was completely out of options—at least, if I wanted to stay in the city. But my run-in with the FBI had been a wake-up call, a reminder of the type of person I didn’t want to be.
Plus, there was the matter of my powers, although Declan had yet to show any signs of being affected. At this point, I was desperate, and he was willing. To be safe, I’d simply avoid touching him, and I’d remove myself from any situation where I was remotely tempted. Seemed easy enough.
“Maybe…but it’s only for a few weeks. And I’m paying you rent.”
“Absolutely not. The pleasure of your company is payment enough, and you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.” We glared at each other across the table, neither of us willing to back down.
Finally, he leaned back in his chair and tossed his napkin on the table. “Okay, this is my final offer. You owe me one meal each week. We’ll get dressed up, go out for dinner, and have some fun.”
It sounded suspiciously like a date. It had been years since I’d been on a proper date, not since… Nope, I wasn’t going there. Declan and I were friends, and that’s all we’d ever be.
Accepting Declan’s terms might be scary, but rejecting his offer felt akin to letting my ex win. That scumbag had monopolized enough of my life, and I refused to allow him to hijack any more space in it.
That evening, I arrived at my new, temporary home located in one of the glass skyscrapers downtown. Moving from one furnished apartment to another, there wasn’t much for me to pack. As I stared at the door of Declan’s apartment, oversized suitcase in tow, I wondered if I’d made a mistake. I was on the verge of walking away when the door swung open.
“I’m glad you’re here. Come in.” Declan greeted me with a smile and a warm hug.
I’d thought the building with its lush landscaping and doorman was impressive, but Declan’s home was jaw-dropping. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city spanned the living room. His walls were lined with art, mostly comic strips, and they added a fun pop of color to the otherwise tasteful décor. And, best of all, a medley of spices and his cologne swirled through the air, beckoning me inside.
After giving me a tour, he led me to my room, and I spun, taking in everything from the remote-controlled window shades to the large bed. I could feel his eyes on me, watching me.
“Is everything to your liking?”
“Are you kidding?” I turned my full attention to him, unable to stop myself from admiring the way he looked in the space. “It’s perfect, more than perfect.”
How was I ever going to repay him? More importantly, how was I ever going to resist him? At the moment, his body was broadcasting his interest loud and clear, and I was struggling to deny my attraction. Why had I ever thought this was a good idea?
3
Over the next week, Declan and I settled into a nice routine. While he was at work, I applied for jobs. When he came home from the gym, he’d shower and we’d eat dinner together before watching movies.
“You’re home early,” I said when he strode through the door before his usual time.
I tried not to stare from my vantage point on the couch, but his athletic shirt clung to his sculpted chest, and all I could think about was what it would be like to explore his muscles. Instead, I forced my attention back to my laptop and my new project, a cosmetics blog focused on fragrance. It had long been a dream of mine, but I’d kept putting it off, focusing my efforts on the company blog instead.
“Funny thing—being a workaholic isn’t as appealing as it once was. Must have something to do with the fact that it’s impossible to stay at the office when I know you’re here.” He bypassed me for the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and gulping it down.
I didn’t say anything, but I could feel the tension building between us. It had been since the day I saw him on the street. Despite my efforts, the past few days had been filled with lingering glances and accidental touches, and I was certain I would combust.
He set the water bottle on the counter. “You know…we haven’t yet gone out for our weekly dinner as mandated in your lease agreement.”
“That’s true.” This was good, I could do this. A night out, surrounded by other people, would curtail some of the intimacy that had redeveloped between us. And for someone like me, intimacy was the antithesis to controlling my powers. “I would hate to neglect my duties as a roommate. How does open-air dining, with a wide range of culinary offerings, sound?” I asked, referring to the nearby park lined with
food trucks.
“Perfect. Meet back here in an hour.”
When I returned, I found Declan staring out over the city, and I could see his reflection in the windows. I took a moment to marvel at the differences between the fun-loving friend I’d known at college and the successful and charming man standing before me. Even his physical appearance had changed—his jawline was more chiseled, his muscles more developed. He still retained his boyish grin, but behind it was a wolfish smile.
He spun, sweeping his gaze over me before lingering on my face. “You are beautiful.”
Not “you look beautiful,” or “you’re hot,” or one of the many other compliments I often received, but “you are beautiful.” His word choice, and his sincerity, pierced through me.
“Are you ready?” He offered his arm, and I busied myself with my purse instead, fumbling for some lip gloss as we headed for the elevator.
Don’t touch. Off-limits. I repeated the mantra in my head as we descended to the lobby.
It wasn’t until we were outside that I could breathe easier. Instead of allowing myself to swim in his rich eyes and his familiar spicy scent, I focused on our surroundings. We soon arrived at the park; people were scattered across the lawn while a band set up on the outdoor stage. Children chased each other and couples strolled the lantern-lit pathways. After finally settling on Vietnamese, we carried our dinner over to the stone ledge of the fountain.
“I have a confession,” Declan said as he bit into his banh mi, his knee nearly touching mine from our perch. “I attended every alumni event the past few years on the off chance I’d run into you, but it was like you vanished. Any time I tried getting in contact, your number was out of service or my e-mail bounced back.”
My pulse skyrocketed, anger and shame nearly suffocating me. I knew Jeff had been controlling and jealous, but even now, several years after the fact, I was still discovering the extent of his destruction. He’d cut me off from my friends and family; he told me he loved me, and stupidly, I’d believed him.
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