Page 50

Mannus’ forehead compressed. “Did Job pay for the damages?”

“Nope, I did.” Tallulah Jayne Atkins popped up behind Sullivan, even though he’d told her very clearly to wait in the lobby. “I’m super rich.”

Rye’s expression shifted into something like satisfaction. “Oh, yes.” He murmured. “I do recognize you.” He got to his feet, admiring her sparkly mini-dress. “Hello, woman.”

“Hello, boo.” Tallulah Jayne positively preened under his approving smile. There was a ridiculous bow tied around her curly red head. “So, you’re a violent criminal, huh? That’s crazy attractive on a guy.”

“Oh, for goodness sake.” Randa reluctantly rolled into a sitting position, pushing her dark hair from her face. “Rye, you’re supposed to be looking for a respectable Match.”

Tallulah Jayne flashed her a quick, competitive frown. “Aren’t you the valet here?”

“I’m the Police Station’s receptionist. You just think I’m the valet, because you’re always handing me your keys and telling me to park your car, whenever Sullivan calls you down here.”

“OMG, yes!” Tallulah Jayne snapped her perfectly painted fingers in recognition. “You’re the girl who scratched my Ferrari!”

“This is Randa, of the Light House.” Kahn interjected flatly. “And she can do whatever she wants.”

None of the other Light Phases argued with the name or the sentiment.

Randa looked between them in surprise. “Randa, of the Stone House.” She corrected.

“The Stone Phases are all useless and weak.” Kahn shrugged them aside. “You are better off with the Light House. We settled this yesterday evening. I told you, it is you and… us.”

You and me.

He’d clearly started to say “you and me.” Everyone heard it, except Randa.

She rolled her eyes, like she thought he was joking again. Only Kahn still wasn’t joking. Neither were the other Light Phases, who were nodding along with his pronouncement. Insane people didn’t have much of a sense of humor.

“Who is ‘your Ferrari?’” Rye asked Tallulah Jayne suspiciously, either doing Kahn a favor by drawing the room’s attention or just unable to stop himself from quizzing the annoying redhead. “If he sought to claim you, Randa was right to gouge scratches on him.”

“He’s not a man, Mr. Alpha-Macho-Possessive-Guy. She scratched my car.”

“Oh.” Rysimer relaxed. “A Ferrari car. Of course, I know that name. Like Lamborghinis, yes?” He smiled, smug about impressing Tallulah Jayne with his encyclopedic automotive knowledge. “I admire human vehicles. If yours is damaged, I’ll get you a replacement.”

Tallulah Jayne perked up. “Can it be pink?”

“Just tell me what you wish to have, and I’ll gladly buy it for you.”

The words were a Cupid’s arrow straight through Tallulah Jayne’s mercenary heart.

“I’m not a valet.” Randa insisted to Tallulah Jayne before Rye dropped six-figures on a Barbie-Mobile. “But I am a temporary Matchmaker. I’m helping these five find respectable, serious relationships.”

“This woman is very serious and respectable.” Rye gestured towards Tallulah Jayne with obvious pride. “Last night, she took down an assailant twice her size.”

“She is small for a warrior.” Julius mused. “But her eyes are vicious. She’s clearly been trained well.”

“She is not an assassin. She works inside a television box.” Rye explained, like Julius was simple. “Her bloodlust is a natural, feral instinct. A rare gift. Of all the human females, she is clearly the best.”

Tallulah Jayne fluffed her hair. “Nobody can argue with the truth.”

“She just wants sex from you, Rye.” Randa insisted.

Rysimer shrugged. “We can certainly start there, if she desires.”

“Oh, I desire.” Tallulah Jayne winked at him.

“This is ridiculous. That girl is only after your body, and you hired me to find you real Matches.” Randa paused to rub her eyes, still waking up. “Speaking of which, Julius, you have a date tomorrow. I forgot to tell you.”