INTO WORK

No, I had enough dragons to slay without bringing more into my world.

“Is that enough?” he asked, his tone even and tender. “Or were you expecting more?”

I said nothing, tucking the money into my back pocket as I turned away. The ringing in the room was starting to grind on my nerves.

“There are messages for you,” I mumbled, reaching for the door.

I half-expected him to grab my arm, to make some effort to stop me, but he didn’t. Instead, he dug his hands deep into his own pockets, like he was deliberately trying to stop himself from physically touching me again. He smelled of soap as I drifted past him, and I realized he’d washed me off him. The understanding made my heart sink more.

He's already trying to forget about what happened between us. I’ll make this easier on him.

Doing my best to keep my head up, I sailed out of the basement office.

“Thanks for the opportunity,” I barely managed to crack.

“Selina…”

I hesitated, but didn’t turn around.

“You don’t have to leave like this. You