She knew he had no idea what she was either, and because he didn’t pry she had tolerated the speculative glances he had given her at the beginning of their acquaintance. One of the things she appreciated most about her relationship with Quentin was that they didn’t ask each other questions that were too personal.
After the first couple of months of wariness, they had relaxed in each other’s company, having come to a tacit understanding. They both knew they had things that were better left hidden in the shadows. They were both content to leave them there.
He began to untangle her ponytail, combing through the strands with long fingers. “Did Keith have anything to do with this? You haven’t seen him since you broke up with him, have you?”
She was shocked at how good it felt to have Quentin stroke her hair. Going boneless, she turned her face into his shirt. He smelled like warm, virile male and green growing places. It felt so good to be held by a strong, steady man. For a few moments she allowed it to banish her chill as she pretended she belonged in his arms and that she was safe. What a dangerous, stupid pretense.
She stiffened and pulled out of his arms. “Yes, I have seen him, and no, it wasn’t romantic. Keith has contributed to this,” she admitted, not willing to lie, not only because she cared for Quentin but also because she had never been able to figure how much truthsense he had. “But it’s complicated.”
Quentin strolled to close his office door. He leaned against it and folded his arms. “Okay, so I’ll get it uncomplicated. Just tell me where he lives.”
Alarm flared. “No! You’ve got to swear to leave him alone.”
Quentin cocked his head, regarding her with far too much acuity for her comfort. “Why? You don’t still care for him, do you?”
“God, no!” She scratched at her head with both hands and then rubbed her face. “That isn’t it at all. Look, you don’t understand because you don’t know anything, I get that. And I can’t explain it to you. I shouldn’t have even come to say good-bye. This was a big mistake.”
She gestured at him to move from the door. He didn’t budge. Only then did she realize his position at the door had been deliberate. She huffed, angrier at herself than she was at him. She had to start getting smarter real fast, or she was going to be barbeque.
Quentin caught and held her gaze, his eyes going stormy. “Just tell me what kind of trouble you’re in,” he said slowly and deliberately. “And I will take care of it. I won’t ask questions you either can’t or don’t want to answer. All you’ve got to do is tell me what’s wrong.”
Just like that her panic was back, only this time it was for him. She leaped forward and grabbed him by the shoulders. “You listen to me.” She tried to shake him but he was too big. The stubbornness in his face made her snarl. “I mean it. You have got to take me seriously. Shit’s happened, and I’m not telling you about it. I’m leaving and that’s that.”
Still watching her, he took her hands from his shoulders, wrapped them together and held them against his lean chest. “Pia, we’ve known each other for four years, and we’ve respected each other’s privacy very well up until now. Whatever else you are, I know you’re a smart cookie—”
“You say that to me with a straight face after I fell for Keith. What a joke,” she said. She tried to jerk her hands away, but he wouldn’t let go.
“You made a stupid mistake. That doesn’t make you stupid,” he said, crushing her hands against his chest until she felt them throb. “I’ve seen you watching how things work around here. Do you think I don’t have contacts or influence? Let me help you.”
She stopped struggling since she wasn’t able to get loose anyway. “I know you have influence. There’s got to be lots of reasons why Elfie’s has such a large loyal clientele of half-breeds and why you talk with so many of them back here in your office. And I’m sure there’s got to be a lot of interesting conversations during your Monday night poker games. Judging from other visits and back door deliveries, I’m also quite sure you have contacts from the Elven demesne, and God only knows who else.”
“Then you should know I can help you,” he said. He seemed to realize he was hurting her and loosened his hold. “All you have to do is let me.”
She rolled her eyes. She knew he was stubborn, but this was ridiculous. “You are still not listening to me. You. Can’t. Help. Me.” She turned her hands over and clasped his. “We’re still not going to talk about it, but just think for a minute, will you? Dragon?” She curled her hands into claws. “Rowr? Me leaving town?”