Page 20 of Tears of Revenge
Avalon leaned closer to Marcus. “I don’t think he got the joke.”
“I don’t believe so either,” Marcus chuckled lightly.
With a heavy sigh, Avalon stretched just like she always did before heading back to her office.
“Would you like me to walk you down again?”
“Yes, please.” Then she turned to Varos. “Unless you’d rather stir the rumour mill and walk me down today?”
“A very intriguing offer but I think Marcus has become quite possessive of the elevator ride with you.”
Lysander heard the way Avalon’s heart skipped before a warm flush washed over her cheeks. She ducked her head and collected her things. As she’d done all week, she waved both him and Varos goodbye before Marcus escorted her through the door.
Varos returned to his work, wearing a sly grin but staying quiet. Marcus, however, wasn’t as gracious, returning to the room with a grin that made him want to punch his friend. “So, since you and Avalon are so close now, are you going to join us tonight?”
“No.”
“You didn’t seem to have a problem saying yes to her earlier. Maybe she should ask you herself.”
“My answer would remain the same.”
Marcus strutted over to him, tilting his head. “Are you sure? Admit it: she’s growing on you.”
“Unlike the two of you, I don’t consider that an accomplishment. The best thing you two can do is leave her alone before she gets attached,” Lysander barked back.
“We just want to spoil her a little,” Varos defended. “Coax her out of her shell—she deserves it.”
“You’re letting the feelings she has for you grow from a tiny seed to a vine that will strangle her heart. No matter what you say, you’re going to hurt her—and yourselves.”
Varos flinched, and he knew his words hurt. Though his skin was already pale, Lysander could’ve sworn that it turned as white as the moon. His eyes a deep red, Varos turned his attention back to the screen, his feelings visibly boiling within his cold chest. Marcus had also lost his mischievous grin, standing where Avalon had sat for the last hour.
He hadn’t meant to offend his friends, but sometimes the truth hurt.
Eight
Avalon
She could hear her heartbeat in her ears. She sat in the back of an Uber, just a few minutes away from her destination. Though she was looking forward to her evening, she was worried they wouldn’t show. They’d been wonderful all week, but since she was still uncomfortable sharing her address, she’d been afraid of rejection. It wouldn’t be long before they’d expect something in return, then show their true colours—just like Troy.
Everything they’d done for her, all the money they’d spent: the food, the paintings, the flowers—that couldn’t possibly come from the good will of their hearts. At least, that’s what she’d learned in the past. Even after four years, Troy’s poisonous thoughts still seeped into her mind, embedding themselves in her brain like thorns.
The car finally arrived at the Lone Star Flight Museum, and the two men were already waiting for her. They stepped up to the car, Varos reaching for her door and Marcus preparing to pay the driver.
“Don’t worry,” she said, presenting her phone. “I’ve already paid him.”
“You did?” Marcus asked, seemingly baffled by the concept.
“He’ll be paid through the app.”
Marcus nodded and together, they guided her to the sidewalk.
“You look beautiful,” Varos complimented, taking a step back to let his gaze wander over her body.
“Thank you. You two look quite handsome yourselves.”
“You are going to make us blush,” Marcus chuckled, taking her other hand to hold onto his arm.
“I have to confess something before we go inside,” she hesitantly whispered.