Page 4 of Bound By the Sleeper’s Harp

“That’s… How could that possibly matter?” I sputtered.

“Because you’re breathing hard and flushed. Look at you.”

“If I’m anything, it’s because there was a goblin at Awake.”

“So? You deal with supernaturals all the time. One lone goblin is nothing.”

“Need I remind you that this is a human neighborhood? We don’t get supernaturals here.”

She knew about the supernatural community because I’d told her. It was illegal for supernaturals to tell humans about their existence, but there was no law against me doing it. Hopefully.

“He was probably just passing through,” she assured me, lifting a shoulder.

“Right. Passing through.”

“Did you make him replace your shirt?”

“My shirt? I… Well… No. I mean… It was kind of my fault. What? You were texting me about your outfits. And yeah, I kind of wasn’t watching where I was going. So—this.” I gestured to my poor shirt.

“Well, if he was a true gentleman, he would have offered to replace it.”

“He didn’t. Besides, I hardly think he fits into the gentlemen category.” My thoughts immediately went back to his appearance.

“Oh my gawd!” Vivi nudged my shoulder. “You are into him.”

“I am not! Besides, it doesn’t matter.”

“Uh-huh.” She made a humming noise, growing smugger by the moment. “Didn’t I tell you you’d get it back eventually?”

“Look. Just drop it. Let’s get you packed so you don’t miss your flight.” I took a fortifying sip of my latte, prompting her to do the same.

She took a drink. “God, this is so good.”

“I bet Tara would keep you plied full of those things if you started dating.”

She snorted. “You know I see through your attempts at matchmaking, right?”

“As long as you notice the effort I put in.” I lifted a shoulder.

“Come on. I need your help figuring out what else to pack.”

I followed her down the hallway to her room, asking, “Do you think Cameron will be okay?”

Vivi’s shoulders sagged. “I’ll make sure she is. Right after I get the full story.”

“And you’ll text me when you find out?”

“Of course!”

“If you need me to fly out so we can kill her fiancé together, just say the word. You know I’ll help you bury the body.” Vivi had been there for me when everything happened with Luke. She’d stuck with me during the darkest time in my life. There was no way I wouldn’t walk through fire for her.

“Who says there will be a body left after I’m done with him?” Her grin was malicious.

I cackled with glee. “I’ll be your alibi then.”

“Deal!”

God, I loved her.