Page 5 of Bound By the Sleeper’s Harp

I looked over her outfit choices and pointed out my favorites before settling on her bed as she finished packing. “At least she found out before the wedding and not after,” I said.

“I suppose there’s that,” Vivi muttered, attempting to cram everything in. “I swear, this is why I don’t do love.”

"I thought it was because you're 'too busy' for a relationship?" I added air quotes.

“That, too! Besides, I’ll put myself out there again when you do.”

“Touché.”

Vivi stood, tugging her suitcase up onto its rollers. “I think that’s everything.”

“You sure you don’t want me to go with you to the airport?”

“I’ll be fine.” She pulled her phone from her pocket and ordered a ride share. A few moments later, it chimed. “Five minutes. Perfect.”

“I guess this is goodbye then.” I stood, setting my latte on the dresser to give her a hug.

“Take care of yourself while I’m away, yeah?” She eyed me. “Be careful at work. Don’t let those supernatural assholes give you grief. Text me every day.”

“You know I will.” I wrapped my arms around her, squeezing her tight. She smelled like the citrus body wash from the luxury bath shop she loved.

“Okay, I better go before I get all emotional.” We pulled apart and my throat tightened. It’s not like she’d be gone for long. Still, it had me missing her already.

“Text me when you get to the airport.” I grabbed my drink and followed her out into the living room.

“Will do. See you later alligator.” She grabbed her purse and threw open the door, rolling her suitcase out with her. I watched her go before turning the deadbolt and locking myself in.

Only then did I let my thoughts return to the goblin. I leaned against the door, taking slow breaths as my mind raced back over our encounter. The way his gaze felt on my skin. The way my stomach warmed under his perusal.

My decision to remain single was a necessary one. I couldn’t afford to get tangled up with anyone. Up until today, that hadn’t felt like a problem.

Wrangling my emotions, I pushed off the door and set off down the hallway.

My shift at Vortex started at eight, which left just enough time to get ready and eat a quick dinner.

My bedroom was my little slice of heaven. It was decorated to suit my style with bright neon pastel colors. There was a plush chaise lounge perfect for reading, a queen bed piled with throw pillows, and a desk—all of it thrifted. The shag rug was a lovely shade of neon blue, and the art on the wall practically glowed with depictions of illuminated cityscapes and neon signs. Vivi had gifted the art to me right after moving in. I didn’t want to know what it cost. The only reason I hadn’t forced her to return it was because they’d been final sale.

I changed into my work clothes, a pair of black, form-fitting slacks, a black long sleeve button down, and stylish dark purple blazer that had the club’s symbol embroidered on the front. The contacts I wore made my eyes dark brown instead of their natural hazel. Then I did my makeup and curled my hair until my cotton candy waves pooled around my head and flowed to the middle of my back, thick and flawless. There was no sign of my honey blonde roots. I paid enough to keep it that way. To keep it perfect. Anyone who had known me from my old life wouldn’t recognize me now.

My phone buzzed.

Vivi

Just made it through security. Boarding soon!

That was fast! Text me before you take off. I’m heading to Vortex in a few.

Seconds later, she sent me a thumbs-up emoji.

In the living room, I put on the TV. It powered on to a random news channel, whatever Vivi had been watching. Then I set about reheating lasagna leftovers.

Vivi’s lasagna was a drug. I thanked my lucky stars that she’d made an entire casserole dish just yesterday. Now I’d have leftovers through tomorrow. I carried my plate toward the table, absentmindedly listening to the newscaster in the background.

“Authorities have publicly released the identity of the body found in her home late last week as Professor Jane Miller⁠—”

I froze midstep, my eyes fixing on the flatscreen, on the grainy photograph beside the newscaster. My vision tunneled and I blinked to clear it.

“Details are still under investigation as to the motive behind her murder. Let’s head over to WN’s Doreen Morris for more.”