Page 38 of Crown of Death
He waits, looking for cars to cross theroad.
And as soon as an opening forms, he slams on thegas.
I’m thrown against my seat, a little scream ripping from my lips. But Cyrus guides us between cars, and pulls into our lane oftraffic.
He laughs, looking over at me, way tooamused.
“Maniac,” I chide, righting myself in my seat. I shake my head, even though Ismile.
He chuckles, obviously pleased withhimself.
I look out at the darkening night, taking in a deep breath. What a strange, strange life I havenow.
“You were angry this morning,” I say, pulling up conversation. “What were you so upsetabout?”
Cyrus adjusts his grip on the steering wheel. “There are certain rules in our world. Some are clear, spelled out, written down. Others are unspoken. Some of the Royals in China have been taking advantage of those unspoken rules, and it poses a threat to all ourkind.”
I consider that for a few moments. “You seem exceptionally involved in the affairs of all the Houses across the globe. What are you, some kind of worldwideambassador?”
He smiles once more. “Something likethat.”
“It’s really annoying how you do that,” I say, looking over at him. “Answering without answering. You like being vague, don’tyou?”
His dark eyes slide over to mine. “It’s easy to become bored after living as long as I have. I find people to be…entertaining when you don’t give them exactly what theywant.”
“So this is all a game to you?” I say, feeling a little hot flare ignite in my chest. “Just messing with me? Keeping me slightly in the dark at alltimes?”
His eyes dart over to mine. He studies me for another beat too long. Like he’s looking for an answer in my eyes. “Yes,” he responds. And this time I know he’s beinghonest.
“You know that playing with people makes you an asshole, right?” I bite, raising aneyebrow.
He only laughs, and for some unexplainable reason, I find myselfsmiling.
We arrive back at his house safely, and with a few too quick stomps on the brake, he parks the car in thegarage.
“I hope you had an enjoyable evening, Logan,” he says as we walk inside. I see no signs of Mina or Fredrick. “I think I learned some very interesting facts about youtoday.”
My stomach tightens a little at that. He has pulled some personal information out of me today. I opened up to him far more than I expected. He is, in fact, keeping up to his promise to get to know me before he killsme.
“I actually enjoyed this today,” I say as I step into the living room. “You know, for not having much choice in mycompany.”
“Do you really find me so offensive to be around?” he asks. But it’s withmirth.
“I’m not going to further inflate your ego with a response,” I say. I turn and head toward the stairs. “Goodnight,Cyrus.”
Chapter 9
Ifeelmy phone vibrate in my back pocket, but my hands are currently covered in make-up, spreading lipstick over Dora Lenard’slips.
Dora is an old woman. Ninety-eight years old. I already styled her snow-white hair. Dressed her in a simple but beautiful white gown that her family provided. Now I’m just finishing adding some blush to her cheeks, making her look a little morealive.
She died two days ago, on Tuesday. The family will bury her on Saturday, but Emmanuel, Craig, and Katie will take care of the service, giving me the weekendoff.
I smile as I look down at her, satisfied that she looksgreat.
“You look beautiful, Dora,” I say as I put the makeup away. “Just like you’re ready for a night out on the town.” I turn, putting things in their cabinet. “I know you. You were such a party animal. Nobody could talk you into turning it in early. You were always the life of theparty.”
I take my gloves off, throwing them in thetrash.