Yeah, yeah, yeah, he said, and he shifted my weight until my breath huffed out.
Put me down! I shouted, and Wayde jerked to a halt at the soft scuffing on the stairs.
Ah, this isnt what it looks like, Wayde said to someone, and I squirmed, twisting awkwardly, and saw Trent standing on the steps, his car running at the curb in the rainy night. Trents eyes were as wide as mine, and in a sudden burst of motion, he flung out his hand.
Obstupesco! he exclaimed, turning from businessman to assassin as he crouched on the stairs, his long coat furling, and I shrieked, covering my head with my arms and ducking back behind Wayde.
The spell hit Wayde square on, and I cried out again when he shudderedand then dropped like a stone.
The world spun. I felt Trent almost catch me, dragging me from Wayde in such a way that only my hip hit the cement stoop. Pain shot all the way to my skull.
Trent! Dont hurt him! I said, dazed, as I spit the hair out of my mouth, Trents arms under my armpits as he struggled to lift me. Wayde was out cold, and I found I didnt care as much as I thought I would. Hes my bodyguard!
Trents weight shifted wildly as I struggled to get my feet under me, the smell of wine and cinnamon becoming strong as he grappled for control, his dress shoes slipping on the wet cement. My God, I forgot how heavy you are, he said, practically shoving me up and away. I know hes your bodyguard. What is he doing carting you out of your church over his shoulder? Glancing down at Wayde, he tugged his long coat straight, grimacing. Oh, Im sorry. Did I interrupt some sort of dominance foreplay?
His tone was rude, and I leaned against the churchs open door and caught my breath. No, I said, frowning at the pixies giggling out of sight. What are you doing here?
Shifting from foot to foot, he tugged his coat straight, trying to find his usual aplomb, but after three days in a car with him, I could see right through to his creased brow and finger twitch. HAPA is harvesting witches with elevated levels of Rosewood enzymes, he said, appearing oblivious to Wayde. Excuse me for being concerned. I thought you should know before you try to apprehend them. Maybe if you returned my calls I wouldnt have to drive out here.
Guilt pricked at me, and I bit back my next tart reply. Whispers of pixies drifted at my back, and the damp night brushed my cheek. Two steps away, Trent stood awkwardly in the mist, rubbing his hand and waiting for my response. It was the one that Al had ripped the fingers from, and it probably hurt when he used it to spell with. He looked angry, and I thought back to seeing him earlier today at the park, upset, frustrated, and altogether appealing.
Seeing me silent, he nodded as if not surprised. Expression becoming dark, he spun on his heel. Panic slid through me, and I didnt know why. Im sorry. I should have taken your call. I dont know why I didnt, I blurted out. The I.S. already said as much, that theyre going to use me as a scapegoat if I cant find HAPA, so I think youll be okay.
He hesitated, his foot reaching to find the next step down. Slowly he turned back, the tension in his shoulders easing. The motion was slight, but I caught it in the dim light from the sign above the door. I thought thats why I was out there, he said guardedly, shifting his weight to his back foot as he found the top of the stoop again. Though they told me they wanted my opinion as to the possibility that you did it. I told them you didnt. I was hoping to get to you before they took you out there.
It wouldnt have made any difference, I whispered.
Trent took a steadying breath, glancing down at Wayde as he stepped closer. Thats not the only reason I came over. Rachel, have you given any thought to taking the bracelet off?
I backed up, feeling sick. The church loomed behind me, safe and secure, and yet fear coursed through me like a red ribbon. No.
His jaw tightened as he came closer. Whatever trouble youre in with the demons, I can help. I gave the bracelet to you so you could have a choice, but you arent choosing anything. Youre letting your fear make your decision for you.
Fear! I exclaimed, stiffening, and the last of the pixies vanished deeper into the church.
His head dropped for a moment. When it came up, in the streetlight I could see his anger clearly. I could tell I wasnt going to like whatever was going to come out of his mouth next. You arent being a demon, he said, actually stepping over Wayde. You arent being a witch. Youre hiding, and thats not why I gave you the bracelet.
Peeved because he was right, I jerked away from him, the silver glinting between us like a guilty secret. Im trying to be me, okay? But they wont let me. I had to take this stupid job just to get my license back.
Behind him, Waydes breathing quickened, and Trents expression became frustrated. Thats great, Rachel, but do you want to live the rest of your life doing crap jobs to win what is your god-given right?
Damn it, I hated it when he was right, but I hated admitting it to his face even more. I did have my pride. If I take this off, Im in the ever-after, I said as I shook the bracelet at him, sure now that Jenks and Ivy were listening. Im in the ever-after washing dishes and fending off demon advances for the rest of my life. I dont like it there, okay?