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Ordinarily, the silence would bother me. I took it personally, chalking it up to my inability to socialize like a normal person. But now? I needed it.
There was so much to consider. I would need to talk to Dr. Merton. Perhaps find a student who could continue my work.
Mentally, I considered and disqualified my colleagues. Most of them would be happy to have access to my research, but I didn’t want to give it over to them.
I didn’t want to turn my work over to anyone, but if I couldn’t finish it myself—
I took a sip of tea, wincing as I burned the top of my mouth. Placing the cup back on the table, I studied the amber liquid. It rippled, like I’d dropped a stone in the center.
“Leo.”
I startled.
“Sorry.” Pollux wiped the tiny spill caused by my action with his sleeve. “Tell me what happened.”
He didn’t look at me but kept his gaze on the sugar bowl. I wondered if he was trying to keep me from being embarrassed.
Too late.
I considered everything I’d seen and heard.
Because he was—essentially—a stranger. And worse—a student.
“You can trust me.”
Orestes snorted and Pollux reacted immediately. “She can trustme.”
The emphasis was loud and clear, but it only served to remind me how little I knew about this man.
The two of them knowing each other—being witness to me losing my marbles…
What if it wasn’t by chance? What if they’d drugged me? Or set this up?
“Why are you here?” I folded my hands onto my lap, twisting my fingers around each other until my knuckles ached. “Really?”
“To make sure you’re all right.” Pollux’s green eyes cut to Orestes and then back to me.
“Not this second.” Maybe he wasn’t purposefully being obtuse. “Why did you come to the party tonight, Pollux? And why are you at my apartment, Orestes? How do you even know where I live for that matter?” It hit me how spectacularly stupid I was to allow them inside my home. A chill rippled up my spine. “You should leave. Please.”
“We’re not here to hurt you.”
Pollux scoffed at Orestes’ answer, and I knew,knew, something bad brought them here.
Even if that wasn’t the reason now, it had been. Originally.
“Please leave.” I had nothing to protect myself against them. My cell was in my purse, and I didn’t even know where that was. In front of me was a half empty carton of milk, three spoons, and three rapidly cooling cups of tea. Oh. And a sugar bowl.
If they didn’t want to leave, I couldn’t make them.
The men glanced at each as if silently deliberating my request.
“Okay.” Pollux pushed his chair back. He picked up his tea, turned, and placed it next to the sink.
After a moment, Orestes did the same, but where Pollux walked to the door, Orestes paused next to me. “I’m sorry.” He gripped the back of my chair, staring down at me.
My gut told me he was being truthful. Nothing in his eyes or expression appeared misleading. But my brain—and logic—said otherwise. Why would he apologize unless he was somehow responsible?
“You should go.”
