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“Why haven’t you come to class?” she asked.
Ha.Answering a question with a question. I decided not to push. “I was called away.”
“Work?” she asked. “A match?”
It took all my self-control not to smile. So she’d looked me up. “No, family.” I hadn’t meant to say that.
Her gaze softened. “Are they okay?”
“Fine,” I replied. Realizing I’d started to hunch my shoulders, dipping down so I could be closer to her, I straightened. She was right to change her behavior toward me. And I needed to as well.
I studied the room again, searching for a taller, dark-haired man. We were two of the younger people here—well—people whoappearedyounger. I was older than every person here by a lot.
“Does your family live here?” she asked, and when I cut a glance her way, explained, “You speak Greek. Your accent isn’t wholly British.” She glanced around as well, gaze landing in the places I’d been watching. She was too observant. “And your name… you’re not British.”
“I’ve lived here a long time.”
“Most of your life?” Chitchat had never been my strong suit, and from her bright skin, I thought it wasn’t hers either. When I didn’t answer, she took another sip of soda. I was making her uncomfortable.
“No. But many years.” I purposely didn’t answer her question about family. The door opened and a waft of cool air breezed around the room. Her hair fluttered around her face, grazing her cheeks. With one hand, she swiped it back, touching the headband as if she’d forgotten about it.
She looked like the embodiment of fall. Bronze and gold. She fit Oxford, like an advertisement for the young academic. I don’t think she realized it, though. Compared to the other people here, overdressed, over-loud—she didn’t quite… match.
“Will I see you next week?” she asked, stepping away and toward the crowd. “If not, it might be worth your while to drop the class. The fifteenth is the last day to withdraw without being billed.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to parry, “Trying to get rid of me?” But I needed to be more distant. Formal, even. My goal here wasn’t to be friends, but to keep her alive.
My phone vibrated in my pocket. I took it out, ignoring her question.Orestes.Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. “I have to take this.”
Her eyes had narrowed, just a little, allowing me a peek at the fire she was capable of. It made me want to smile. My muscles, unfamiliar with that action, twitched, so I turned my back fast, and strode far enough away my conversation would be masked, but not so far I couldn’t act if I needed to.
“Where are you?” No reason for a greeting.
“Outside,” he answered, tone honest. Until he went on, “You walked right past me.”
No, I hadn’t. He was full of shit. Baiting me. “What am I wearing?”
He chuckled, and like I had earlier to Leo, ignored my question. “Why are you here?” he asked. “We had an agreement.”
Youhad an agreement.
He went on. “This isn’t how it works. You disagree. Fine. But it has to be done. I’ve already agreed.”
I let Orestes finish before I answered. “She doesn’t deserve this.”
Was it my imagination or did he hesitate before replying? “People die all the time when they shouldn’t.”
Containing my snort was difficult, but I did it. “If I hadn’t known you for the last hundred thousand years, I might believe you.” I glanced around the room to make sure no one would overhear what I had to say next. “I’ve seen you chased across continents by your guilt.”
There was a click as he hung up. Pulling the phone from my ear, I locked eyes with Leo. She frowned, not angrily, but as if she were concerned. For me?
Sliding my phone into my pocket, I skirted the crowd, approaching her.
“Everything okay?” She cut her gaze toward the door, and I turned, but no one was there.
Because I knew it was rude, I ignored her question. “How long are you staying here?” I asked instead.
Her glass was empty. A waiter walked by, so I took it from her hand and placed it on the serving tray. Leo clasped her hands in front of her body. Awkward girl. How was it someone who could speak with such confidence and directness got flustered in a crowd of less than fifty people?
