“Time is not something I’m accustomed to concerning myself with, Kailiani.” Nero’s irises seemed to ripple while he spoke, the blue hues swirling into the depths of his pupils and giving him a decidedly otherworldly air. It held me captive beside him, my breath catching in my throat. “You never answered my question. Why did you seek employment with JBI?”
“I… I need the money.”
“Why?” he asked, tilting his head to the side. “To cover college debts? Living costs?”
“Yes.” It wasn’t a lie. It just wasn’t the complete truth, either.
And somehow, he seemed to know, because his gaze narrowed. “I see.” He broke the connection by facing the buffet of food laid out before us. “Perhaps one day you’ll elaborate on that.”
Not likely. “There’s not much to tell.”
“On the contrary, Kailiani. I think there’s a lot more to you than meets the eye.” He removed his arm. “Try to eat. I have plans for your body later, and you’ll require the nourishment.”
6
Nero
Kailiani was hiding something.
I could feel it with every fiber of my being, but I didn’t know what set off my instincts. Maybe the way her nostrils had flared when she’d replied to my questions about her intentions, or the slight aroma of fear that had accompanied her less-than-candid replies.
She doesn’t trust me.
Well, I supposed she hardly knew me. And it wasn’t like she recognized the bond between our souls. Her human shell cloaked so much from her, even the siren within.
So, why did she need the money?
I knew of her debts, had reviewed them when I’d researched the background of her current life on Earth. But her finances weren’t unmanageable. Of course, something had made her drop out of school early. I’d bet one of my seas on that being related.
She remained silent while I drove, her hands twisting in her lap. Our dinner conversation had become a bit stilted after her obvious deflection. However, she’d eaten, which was what I cared about most. Mortals were fragile, and I would not allow this one to break.
“What are you thinking about over there, little siren?” I asked while navigating the city traffic. Most would have hired a driver, but I preferred to indulge myself when in other realms, and this sexy little sports car met the mark. I definitely approved of this new technology period on Earth.
“Why me?” Her tone held a note of wonder in it. “Why a week? Are you here for work? For pleasure? Both? What will we do for seven days?” The dreamy quality in which she spoke suggested she’d been voicing her thoughts out loud without meaning to.
My lips curved. “So many questions. In summary, I’m here for a greater purpose, one that does include pleasure, yes. A week seemed a sufficient time to acquire what I need before moving forward. And as to why you, well, I think you’ll find everything about my visit revolves around you.”
She looked away from the glass to stare at my profile. “And what does all of that mean?”
“It means you and I are going to get to know each other very well over the next seven days, darling.”
“Before moving forward,” she added.
“Yes, assuming I’ve acquired what is needed.” Namely, an explanation for how a siren’s soul could be trapped inside a mortal form.
“I see. So this is temporary.”
“My stay in New York City? Absolutely.” I longed for the oceans of Mythios, for my beloved Aquaine Kingdom. What would Kailiani think of it? Would it provoke some of her soul’s memories to surface? Or would it all appear brand new and overwhelming?
She fell into a thoughtful silence again.
“What’s troubling you?” I wondered out loud, sensing her tension as I pulled into the underground garage beneath my current residence.
She shook her head. “It’s… nothing.”
Such a human reply.Well, if she didn’t want to discuss her concerns, then we would engage our mouths in other, more productive ways.
I pulled up to the valet station and stepped out without a word, tossing my keys to the man waiting to park my car. Kailiani opened her own door—the impatient minx—and stood, her eyes full of questions. I dared her with a look to ask them, but she glanced down instead.
