“Her brother.” The lie is smooth off his tongue.
Rap snorts, lips twitching up at the corner, as she leans back in her chair. “Yeah, that’s not gonna fly, hot boy. Anyone who even so much as glances at the two of you will suspect you of harboring some intense incestuous feelings.”
Talon visibly stiffens. I’m not sure if it’s because she sees straight through him, or because of the vulgar suggestion.
She opens her hands. “You might want to change your story.”
“He’s my boyfriend,” I blurt.
“I’m her protector,” Talon says, his voice hard.
That’s not going to work. Normal people don’t have protectors. I’m supposed to be normal now.
“My overly protective boyfriend,” I rush to add.
Rap chuckles quietly, a wry smile twisting her lips. “You two haven’t thought this out at all, have you?”
I squirm in the chair, realizing how true what she says is. I crossed the border and came straight here, believing I’d figure out the rest later.
Rap’s eyes narrow, one brow arched as she pins me with a look. “Don’t tell anyone he’s your boyfriend. My girls will figure out in a heartbeat that’s not true.”
“Okay.” Excitement flutters in my belly. I’m getting the job.
“I’m not sure what kind of rumspringa you’re on, but you don’t leave without giving notice. Understand me?”
I nod eagerly, though I don't know what arumspringais.
“You steal from me, you’re out. Being a Lost Girl means more than just swinging bottles and mixing drinks. You need to bring attitude and there is a certain dress code you have to adhere to.”
The mirth falls from her face, and Rap suddenly looks tired. “I don’t know your story, and I don’t have to. But don’t lie to me.” Her gaze falls to Talon. “You want to stay near her?” Rap jerks her chin in my direction. “You’re gonna have to work here too. I’m in need of some more bodies on my security team. Don’t touch my patrons unless you absolutely have to. I’m counting on you to menace people in line.”
Talon simply grunts. Rap seems to also understand that is assent to her terms.
“Do you have a place to stay?”
“I—” my voice falters. The urge to look to Talon is strong, but I hadn’t planned on him coming along. I don’t plan on leaning on him. Otherwise, I might as well have stayed right where I was. “No.”
My hands fist as I grip the material of my dress. I was taking things one step at a time, but Rap makes me painfully aware of how foolishly I’ve approached this.
She hums. “I know of a sublet opening. It’s not glamorous, but it’s available now and you won’t have to worry about background checks.”
“Th-thank you,” I stutter. Gratitude grows in my chest, warming me up from the inside out.
Rap opens her laptop, and I’ve lost her attention. We’re being dismissed. I rise on unsteady legs and head toward the door, followed by Talon.
“One last thing, Aurora.”
I turn.
“Don’t fuck with my staff or my patrons.”
“I wouldn’t. . .”
That sharp gaze meets mine. “You feed far away from here, if you have to.”
All my excitement burns away at the realization this bar owner knows exactly who and what I am.
“Rosari may have a soothing effect on people with high emotions, but I don’t want my patrons mellowing out. This is a human city, or it was...” she finishes on a mumble.
