She hums. “Right.” Her attention lowers. “One more stupid question…” She traces her finger across her weeping glass. “Did you mean it when you said you were tracking things about me in a spreadsheet?”
“That’s hardly a stupid question. Of course I am.”
A distant smile softens her features, and she pushes off the fridge. “Can we continue watching Maid-sama tomorrow night?”
Unease knots in the pit of my stomach. “Absolutely.”
“I think I’m going to lie down for a little bit and regulate.”
My jaw locks. “Please let me know if you need anything.”
Before she turns, she pauses, looks at me, and tilts her head. “Are you okay?”
I swallow. “Are we okay?”
An airy laugh escapes her. “Yes, we’re fine. I just need to process tonight.” Her finger lifts, and she touches her neck. “A vampire bit me. That’s a very big event in a young woman’s life. I have a lot to think about.”
I settle, and tension leaves. “It’s okay. I didn’t turn you.”
Her eyes roll. “Of course not. I’m a saint, so you can’t turn me without permission, but also you didn’t even break the skin. You might need to get your teeth sharpened.”
“Is that permission to break skin next time, little saint? Because last I knew, I also needed permission to drink.”
Turning, she cradles her glass to her chest and hums. “I wonder. Goodnight, Dominic.”
“Goodnight, sweet lotus. Until our next battle.”
With that, she disappears down the hallway, and I watch her go, feeling as though she’s taking my entire heart with her.
Whether she returns it or not, only time will tell.
Chapter 20
?
I’m no detective, but I’m doing my best.
August
Dominic has probably already seenKaicho wa Maid-sama. Yesterday, I referenced the episode that comes directly after the one we left off in the middle of, and he filled in the details himself.
Dominic is probably a millionaire. I have no reason to believe he’d lie about that.
Dominic has probably known me for at least a year. His tone heavily suggested as much when I asked about it.
Dominic’s teasing is…familiar.
Me:Is work a mandatory part of getting paid? Asking for a friend.
Ali:Your friend sounds like she’s about to get fired. I’m glad my sweet little employees know better.
Me:Sweet little employeeS? You have more than ONE (very special, probably favorite…) employee you’d categorize as sweet and little?
Ali:Jealous?
Me:Feverishly.
Tugging my attention off our chat, I find myself sifting through old emails, deciphering the way our relationship has steadily grown and changed over the years. Ali’s always been witty in her replies, but it’s clear a level of professionalism remained for a good, long while.
