Page 76 of Trust the Fall

“What?” I choke out, eyes flying to Cyrus. “No. W-why would you say that?”

He pulls his bottom lip through his teeth, shrugging. “Your face is on fire. You either swallowed a ghost pepper whole or you were thinking something pornographic.”

“Ugh. You ass. A woman turning red doesn’t mean she’s thinking impure thoughts!” I cross my arms indignantly. What is with all you men thinking you know women? You’re an idiot.”

Cyrus bursts into laughter. “Who is this, River? She’s hysterical.”

River sighs. “Cyrus, meet Victoria. Victoria, this is our newest guard, Cyrus Little.”

“Don’t let the name fool you,” he says, puffing out his chest. “I’m fierce.”

I smother a grin with my fist. “Nice to meet you, fierce Cyrus.” I smile.

“You’re not a reaper,” he muses. “What’s she doing here, Riv?”

“All in due time, my friend. For now, just know that she’s my guest.”

Cyrus nods again, smile never fading.

“Hello, Cat,” River calls to the second guard as they approach.

A curvaceous raven-haired beauty stands beside Cyrus, falling only a couple inches shorter. A gust of wind ruffles her hair into her face, shielding her vibrant green eyes. She’s aptly named, considering her features are feline.

“River,” she practically purrs, and I wonder for a moment if reapers can also be shifters.

“We’re not,” River laughs, garnering various stares of amusement from the guards.

From me, he earns himself a jab to the ribs via my elbow.

“Ouch,” he teases, rubbing his ribs.

“Next time, I will maim.”

“I like her,” Cat says to Cyrus, who nods vigorously.

“All right, you two. Enough of a show for one day?”

“Never,” Cyrus bemoans. “That means we have to get back to work.”

“That you do, kid. That you do. We need to see the queen. Cat, can you arrange that?”

She narrows her eyes. “Since when do you need to announce your arrival to the queen? Just waltz in.”

His eyes cut to me, and now I really wonder what the dynamic is between River and the queen.

“I’d prefer she’s given a heads-up this time.”

Cat pulls her bottom lip in between her teeth as though trying to smother a smile. “Sure thing, Riv.”

“Cat,” he warns, and now I know something is amiss.

“What’s happening here?” My head bounces between the three reapers.

Cyrus snorts, and Cat’s arm shoots out, punching him in the gut.

“Ugh. What the hell, Catarine?”

She ignores him, seeming to wait for River to answer. Cat is definitely amused.