Page 35 of Partners In Evil
I don’t think they believe me, but they drop the topic all the same.
The rest of my day runs by in a blur. As soon as I walk through the door it’s back to business as usual. Finn is nowhere to be seen. I would be hiding too if my face was plastered over every busy body social media post for the day. But I still find myself missing his presence.
Even his insistence on bringing me an afternoon coffee is noticeably absent.
I leave work exactly on time, which is unlike me. I enjoy working longer, getting good stuff done when everyone else is leaving for the night. But not today. I need some fresh air, and a glass of wine to settle my nerves.
This, I quickly realize, is a poor move as someone begins tailing me like a shadow down the street.
“Hello?” I ask timidly, my hand reaching in my purse for my phone. I can’t see them, but I know someone is there. It’s a strange feeling, like a charge in the air that’s warning me to get away.
“Walking all alone in the big city? That’s rather brave for a small town girl like you.”
I jump onto my toes at the sudden voice in my ear. Whipping around, I come face to face with bright purple eyes and a ruby red smirk.
“Raven?” I ask. “What…where did you come from?” There’s nowhere here for her to hide, except a fence post!
“Don’t worry about that. Girls have to look out for each other, right?” she asks as she takes my arm in hers, guiding me back down the street.
“I guess,” I mutter. I don’t know what she’s doing here, with me even. What’s her angle?
“I always say, no matter what sort of relationship drama crops up, women need to stick together. I’m sure you agree.”
Maybe if it were literally anyone else I might. “Do you need something from me?” I ask.
Raven laughs and flips her long, silky hair behind her shoulder. “No, but you need something from me. A warning.”
My chest tightens. I don’t like where this is going. “O-oh?”
“Oh yes. Finn has you under his spell. Anyone with two working eyes could see that. I’m here to snap you out of it.”
I stop in my tracks and look at her, wrenching my arm back. How dare she make it sound like she’s doing me a favor?
“Don’t take it like that! Listen.” Raven pats me condescendingly on the head and I stare at her audacity. “It’s very simple. You’re a human. He’s a demon. There are things that, by no fault of your own, you can never give him. He and I got along very well, because sirens and demons are like this.” She crosses her fingers together and smiles at me. “He’s using you for an ego boost, because he doesn’t think he can man-up enough for me. As soon as he comes back to his senses, though, he’ll ditch you like rotten horn polish.”
My face pulls in confusion. Like what?
“See! That’s what I’m talking about. I bet you don’t even know the very basics of horn hygiene. That’s just the tip, honey.” Raven steps away looking like she won a fight that didn’t happen.
“You don’t know anything about me,” I retort.
Again, Raven laughs in response. “I know enough. And I know Finn.” She crosses her arms and turns on her heel, black hair flowing behind her like she’s wading through water. “Most importantly though, I know how this story ends.”
And just as suddenly as she appeared, Raven slides out of view. Leaving me with a heavy burden now resting on my shoulders.
I quietly make my way home, trying not to let her words mess with my mind. But it’s no use. She’s gotten in there, twisted me around like some backwards carousel. I feel sick.
I’m barely in the door when my phone rings. I already know who it is, and I answer it only after taking a deep, steadying breath.
“Emma,” Finn says, his voice suddenly full of the joy and energy it was missing this morning. “Listen, I wanted to get out tonight. Was wondering if you’d like to—”
“No thank you,” I say quickly. It doesn’t matter how exciting or intriguing his offer might be. I can’t be around him right now. Not when my thoughts are being clouded with doubt.
“Oh…” The receiver is silent for a moment.
“It’s just, I’ve had a long day,” I say. I don’t want to hurt his feelings.
“Of course. I’ll see you at work, then.”