Page 56 of Freed By the Witchbone Knife

“So, given any more thought to attending the Fall Fling?” Iris stood over my table, her hand propped on her hip.

“It sounds like the perfect distraction” I grinned.

Less than two weeks away, the Fall Fling was all anyone in Redding was talking about. At this point, I needed some nice, normal, seasonal fun. Something to get my mind off Axel’s behavior. Ambrose’s stalking. The mountain of work I was buried beneath.

“Good.” Iris hesitated. “What about Axel?”

I bit my lip. “Not sure crowds are his thing, you know?”

“So you still want to go with me, then?”

“Definitely.”

“Awesome. What’s going on with the two of you anyway?” She slipped into the chair across from me, propping her elbows on the table. Resting her chin in her hands. Her expression might have appeared innocent, but I could tell she was fishing. Something about it rubbed me wrong.

“Nothing.” I shrugged, since that was the truth. “I mean… I’m just staying with him for a bit while I work out my ex issues.”

“Right.”

Iris was already up to speed on my temporary relocation. We had exchanged a series of texts after Thursday’s incident. She’d even offered to let me stay with her. I’d politely declined.

The unfortunate truth was, Iris was no match for Ambrose and the last thing I wanted was to put her in danger.

“You sure it’s wise staying with someone you hardly know? I really don’t mind if you stay at my place. Plus, it’s right next to yours. Extra convenient.”

“Thank you. Really. I appreciate it. But…we’re managing. I’ve already got the bunnies settled and I’d hate to move them again.”

“Right.” She leaned back to regard me, her expression contemplative. “No worries, then. You’ll let me know if you want me to pick you up for the Fling? Otherwise, we can just meet there.”

“I can just meet you there,” I assured her.

I didn’t intend to make Iris drive all the way out to Axel’s to get me. That she was offering showed how eager she was for me to join her, but I was plenty fine saving her the trip.

“Ready to go?” Axel’s deep voice had me looking up.

“Oh, Axel.” Iris blushed, jumping from the chair and backing away from the table. “Did you want your usual?”

“Not today.” He turned away from her, pinning me with his gaze. His impatient gaze.

“Right,” I huffed. “Let me just get my things together.”

Iris lingered a moment longer. “Text me later,” she added, giving Axel another furtive look, then strode back to the counter.

“You could have been a little nicer,” I observed.

Axel’s brow furrowed. He had no idea, did he? How gruff and short he was with other people. Which meant he probably had no idea the effect he had on others, especially women like Iris. No idea that she was clearly pining for him.

In a way, I was glad, because I wanted him all to myself, even if he had no interest on that front.

With everything stowed in my backpack, I stood. Axel grabbed it before I could shoulder it, then set off across the shop.

“Bye Iris,” I called over my shoulder, waving.

“See ya, Becca.” She waved back, but I didn’t miss the way her eyes darted between me and Axel.

“Any incidents?” Axel asked as he opened his truck door for me.

“All quiet,” I assured him, climbing into his truck. Setting my backpack in the footwell.