Page 37 of Razor

“Fuck me. No way.”

“Why is that surprising?”

I’m curious.

“I’m surprised he asked you. I mean, don’t get me wrong, honey, you are possibly the prettiest girl to walk through those doors in a long while, but Razor, well, he keeps himself closed off. It’s unusual for him to even speak to the women, let alone demand their attention in the middle of the day. You must possess superpowers we don’t know about.”

“He’s very kind. He gave me a ride to town and even carried my shopping. Afterwards, we had coffee, and then he asked if I would spend the afternoon with him.”

“Respect, honey. I give you that because he and his twin are the surliest motherfuckers that go by the name of Reaper.”

She grins. “I bet there’s zero conversation. He probably communicates in other ways, you lucky girl.”

She breaks off and raises her eyes. “Have you?”

My blush tells her before any words fall from my lips.

“No way. I bow down before you. Man, the other Reapers will be pissed. I never saw that one coming.”

She points to the door.

“You should go. I mean, you look so damn cute he’s going to rip that pretty dress off you in record time. You really are one lucky woman, Sunday.”

“Did you ever?–” I don’t finish my sentence because she shakes her head.

“No, not many have. A few, but Razor doesn’t shop in the candy store very often. That’s why this is huge news. Make sure you give me a full report in the morning. Not many had the pleasure of where you’re heading, and I want details and preferably diagrams.”

“Idiot.”

I can’t help giggling despite the subject, and as she waves me off, my heart is pounding as I take the short walk to the Reaper’s block next door. I swear if I come across one of them I’m liable to bottle it and head back the way I came because this really is too much for a girl fresh from Smallville.

* * *

I edge inside the block,wondering why it’s as if I shouldn’t be here. The block is quiet, almost eerily so and as I walk, my tread is light, my heart fluttering, and my resolve weakening.

A door slams somewhere above me, and I almost run back the way I came. Gripping the handrail, I swallow my nerves and carry on my progress, although slightly faster.

I hear footsteps above me, and I quickly dip into the corridor to the left of the staircase, my footsteps quicker, trying so hard not to breathe right now.

As I reach Razor’s door, the one beside his opens and an identical man heads out, apparently surprised to see me. Bad timing sucks.

“Sunday.”

He nods, his gaze on my hand that is preparing to knock on Razor’s door.

His slow smile causes me to blush, and I falter, “Razor, um, well–”

He holds up his hand.

“There’s no explanation needed. Have a nice day.”

Without another word, he heads off the way I came, and I stifle the hysterical giggle that threatens to disturb the silence.

My knock has the desired effect, and as Razor’s door swings open, his eyes flash as I breathe, “Can I come inside before I meet any more embarrassing situations?”

He steps to the side, amusement on his lips, and as I dive inside his room, I fan myself. “Can you come to me next time?”

He raises his eyes. “Next time?”