Page 33 of The Bonds of Indigo

Further, closer, it doesn’t matter. I’m not going to be able to give him what he wants, and he’s fucked us both over because of it. Never in a million years did I think that would be his request. I really should’ve made him be more specific… but then he probably would’ve wanted the same from me.

Fuck.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

We are both so fucked.

And this damn bond—Vendra’s mercy—is stronger than I thought. When I tried to sever the thread, it held fast, solid as iron. Thankfully, I’ve managed to block his thoughts, and I don’t think he can hear mine either, because I called him a big-ass ape in the car and he didn’t react.

What the Beyond am I going to do?

“Excuse me.”

A voice brushes past just as another cart scrapes against mine. The woman’s elbow digs into my side, sending me stumbling into the clothing rack.

I mistakenly lift my head, and instantly regret it. Her brown eyes lock on mine, anger shifting to fear in a single heartbeat.

Immediately, I shut my eyes and start backing away.

There are too many people in this thrift store. Too much noise and heat. I don’t notice the person behind me until I slam right into them.

“Hey! Watch it!”

As my pulse quickens, I force my eyes open and scan for the accessory aisle. I abandon the cart and move down the row until I find the sunglasses display. I grab a pair, slide them on, and dare to look up.

Of course people are staring.

I groan and start to move when a deep-voiced man steps out from behind the carousel. “It’s rude to wear sunglasses inside.”

I jump at his sudden appearance.

I’m planning to just ignore the big brute and go back to my cart, but he uses his broad frame to block my path. “What’s with you and your eyes?”

“Again, your lack of knowledge tells me you did no research on me before kidnapping me.”

“Saving.” He leans against the rack to my left and reaches out for my hair draped over my shoulder. “I have the source, so tell me.”

Jerking away from him, I release a frustrated sigh. “I’m hexed. Everyone knows that only pureblooded Demons and those cursed have eyes of indigo.”

His face twists. “Who cursed you?”

“A Hexborn after the incident seven years ago. Now, are we done?”

“I thought your punishment was to rot in prison.” He straightens and steps aside so I can brush past him.

“That wasn’t enough for them,” I murmur, knowing he can hear me despite the distance I put between us.

We finish grabbing what we need and head to check out. When the teller announces the total, he looks down at me expectantly.

I flick my gaze to the employee, heat slowly crawling up my neck, then back to him.

He snaps his fingers and says, “Oh, that’s right, you don’t have any money.”

My face burns with embarrassment, and I have to fight the urge to punch him. I know it would only cost me a broken hand at how hard I’d throw it.

“She’s homeless,” he continues as he digs into his pocket. “I like to do charity work.”

I bite my tongue and take a deep breath.