Bob. She called the Blade of Bane Bob.
Grim opened his hands. “Of course you aren’t, but Miranda, you were the one who insisted on clinging to mortal responsibilities, and we allowed it. But in lieu of what’s happened—” He stood up again, as if remembering he is the boss. “—you must kill all of the gods who escaped the blade. They were slain for a reason, because they were a threat to our world and left unchecked?—”
Miranda cocked a hip and tilted her head toward me. “So you're saying I should kill him again? For the safety of the world?”
The only one in danger is you, sweetheart. I’m coming for you.
“He’s not exactly the threat I’m referring to,” Grim said dryly. “And as Xander is not only adept in swordsmanship, but also has a familiarity with a number of the most dangerous gods you are now in pursuit of and lacks an occupation at the moment, he can help you hunt.”
“Listen, I know what I've done.” Miranda’s composure broke as real panic entered her eyes. “And I’m paying for it. But I don’t think I deserve this punishment.”
Grim crossed to Miranda, standing between us even though she and I never broke eye contact.
“This isn’t punishment, Miranda. The other gods raise their voice in outrage, but it is because they are scared. Scared of what’s out in the world now.” He took her hands in his.
Instantly my hackles rose, but I worked to keep my possessiveness in check.
I’d convinced Grim to arrange our partnership and I wasn’t about to screw over my chance at being near my dark angel again.
Grim’s word was final, so I followed Miranda to the elevator where we stood side by side, her eyes trained on the changing floor numbers. I opted to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from saying anything smug that might compel her to stab me.
“Don’t you know the rules of civilized society?” she mocked. “No shirt,” her eyes scanned my chest, leaving a trail of heat in their wake, before lowering, “No shoes, no service.”
“I’m more interested in providing service,” I leered at her.
Miranda's eyes flashed with anger as she turned to fully face me. "Keep your service to yourself, Xander.” Her hand tightened around the hilt of her blade even as her cheeks turned a beautiful rosy shade. "I don't need you tagging along, and I certainly don't need to be distracted."
I simply chuckled, taking a step closer to her. "Oh, but you do need my help," I replied, my voice low and dangerous. "And as for distractions," I leaned in, my breath hot against her ear, "you know you can't resist me."
Miranda's face twisted with anger as she shoved me away from her. "You're disgusting," she hissed, and the elevator doors opened. We stepped out into the lobby of the hotel, and I could feel her eyes burning holes into me as we walked towards the exit.
Outside, the sun beat down on the city, and the unfamiliar rumbling, bleating sounds of traffic filled the air.
My ears began ringing and my throat tightened as the caustic stench of exhaust filled my senses. The urge to escape to a dark and quiet place intensified as the chaotic surroundings threatened to overwhelm me.
But there was something I wanted more than peace.
Now that I was in Miranda’s orbit, I didn’t want to break away.
The tension between us was thick and palpable as we made our way down the street. I didn’t know where she was going, but I’d follow her to the ends of the earth if she let me.
"You know," I said after a moment, breaking the silence between us, "you're even more beautiful when you're angry."
She growled. Actually growled.
“You may be the chosen one, but you'll need my expertise if you want to survive in the world of the gods,” I replied, my voice low and menacing.
Miranda stopped at a parked, sensible silver car, and turned to face me, her jaw clenched. “I can handle this on my own.”
“You can't possibly believe that,” I retorted. “You may be strong, but you're not invincible. The gods are dangerous, and you'll need all the help you can get.”
Miranda's eyes narrowed, and the tension rose between us once again. I knew she didn't trust me, but I also knew that she had no choice but to work with me.
I’d made sure of that.
Setting both hands on the scalding metal of the vehicle, I boxed her in. “Trust me, Miranda.” My head tilted down toward her as my voice softened. “I won't let anything happen to you.”
Miranda stiffened at my nearness. Oh fuck, I was close enough to inhale the heady mixture of bergamot and her skin.
