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I stood up and offered a hand to Milan, but he only scowled at me as he rose to his feet as well, and practically stomped out of the office.
“Good luck,” Mullins said with a laugh, and I took a deep breath as I followed my beloved.
Chapter Ten
Milan
I grumbled to myself as I marched through the station, finding my way into the breakroom and throwing myself into a chair. I knew I was acting immaturely, but I couldn’t help it. Well, maybe I could, but I didn’t want to.
Nigel said nothing as he entered the room behind me. Instead, he walked over to the vending machines in the corner and purchased two sandwiches and two cans of soda. When he brought them to the table before me, I merely turned my nose up at them. Just like last time when he presented me with food, I wanted nothing to do with it.
He sat down across from me and said, “I know you’re angry, but-”
“You think?” I cut in, interrupting whatever he was about to say next. “I could be out there helping catch this guy. Instead, I’m getting treated like a damn kid, getting placed with a babysitter!”
He gazed into my eyes and replied, “I understand.” He slowly reached his hand across the table and placed it over mine. I thought about pulling away, but his skin was soft and warm, and its presence brought me peace. It was hard to stay riled up when he showed he cared.
“But Milan, you’re not being punished; you’re being protected. The fact that the Captain wants to keep you here shows that he values you and cares for you. So many people do, though no one cares for you like I do.”
A layer of ice around my heart melted as he continued, “We want to keep you safe, and this is the best way to ensure that. It’s the best way to keep the world safe; let’s imagine that we did use you as bait to lure Foras to you. What if something went wrong? What if you were killed, and the spell was completed? He would have free reign and unimaginable power.”
I sighed and scrubbed my free hand over my face. “You’re right. I know this is for the best, it’s just hard. I want this to be over.”
“We all do,” Nigel said with a squeeze to my hand. “And I have faith that it will be very soon. But we must be patient and practical.” It was nice seeing him in this light; Nigel could be gruff and hard-headed, but he was also very intelligent and sensible. He flew off the handle at some people, but he was grounded and tender with me. It seemed as if we grounded each other. “Now, please eat something. You’ve only had coffee all day.”
He scooted one of the sandwiches across the tabletop to me, and I smiled as I took it. He was concerned about my health and wellbeing, and I can’t deny it felt good to have someone looking out for me.
I let go of Nigel’s hand to unwrap the plastic cling wrap before taking a bite of the turkey, cheese, and bread. It wasn’t the best thing I’d ever eaten, considering it came from a vending machine, but after going all day without food, it was nice to have something in my stomach.
“Thank you for this,” I said, finally remembering my manners as I swallowed.
“It’s my pleasure.” Nigel slid over one of the matching sodas. “Is grape okay?”
“It’s my favorite.”
“Mine too,” he smiled, cracking the seal of his own.
“I bet we have a lot in common, considering we’re…you know…fated.”
Nigel chuckled at my awkwardness, but not in a way that made me feel judged. Rather, in a way that said he thought I was cute. I took a long sip of my drink when I felt my cheeks heat.
“Well, let’s test that theory,” Nigel suggested. “What kind of films do you like?”
“I love comedies.” Anything that could take my mind off of my work and troubles was a welcome distraction. “What about you?”
“I’m a sucker for a good documentary. How about music? What do you prefer to listen to?”
“I keep up with what’s popular. I like a good beat and catchy lyrics. And you?”
“Classical for me,” Nigel replied. “It soothes my soul. What is your favorite color? Mine is orange.”
“Green,” I answered before scrunching my lips together. It wasn’t at all what I expected. “I can’t believe we are fated.”
Nigel’s face deflated, right along with my heart. I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings. His voice was sad when he replied, “Fate pairs those who will be a perfect match; not because they are exactly the same, but because they complement one another. It’s about the way they can support each other, and how they make each other feel. They bring out the best in one another. I know that we are different, and I am probably not what you expected or hoped for.”
