“Do you want to go back to your room?” he asked, his tone clipped in irritation. “Are you going to continue to be disrespectful toward me?”
“If you don’t speak, probably not,” I mumbled. His eyes flared, and I quickly held up my hands. “Sorry. That just tumbled out. Smart-ass, you know? I’ll be the good little Prodigy while I’m released from my room.” That I could easily escape from it, I left unmentioned.
He grumbled under his breath. Eventually, his steps smoothed out and he walked at a steadier pace that was less like speed walking. “Just so you know, the One’s not in a very good mood today. Last night he received a phone call that apparently upset him.” His hands waved wildly. “I’m sure you felt it, because the whole damn Manor shook. It frightened the staff and the Shifter drifters.”
“Is that why you came to get me for this?”
“I make the rules here, not him. I came for you because you deserve to be here.”
I nudged his arm. “You like me, don’t you?”
“Quiet, smart-ass,” he muttered, but he placed an arm around my shoulder. “I should never talk ill about the dead, but between you and my last Prodigy,” a rough squeeze of my shoulder, “I choose you.”
My smile was genuine. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He kissed my forehead before we turned the corner, his arm instantly dropping when we came into view of the glass paneled conference room. The whole group was inside. He tilted his head toward the end of the room. “Elder Farrar did a good job disguising him, don’t you think?”
My brows puckered in confusion as I peered in that direction. “Christ, he’s going to create a mob.” I picked up my pace, marching into the room and waggling a finger in the One’s direction. My incredulous eyes were on Elder Farrar. “Are you kidding? You call that a damn disguise?” I waved a huge hand at the One’s ‘hidden’ form. “All that says is: Fuck me now and ask my name later.” I threw my arms wide. “What the hell are you thinking?” My eyes narrowed, a thought coming to mind. “Are you trying to get him killed?”
Silence followed my furious outburst.
“Is that what this look says?” the One drawled to Reese standing next to him.
“I wouldn’t know,” Reese deadpanned. “You’re not my type.”
Elder Farrar’s lips twitched. “Ms Jules, there’s certainly nothing wrong with his look—”
I instantly waved a hand, cutting him off. “Bullshit.” I jammed a finger in the One’s direction. “Make him old. Make him look like a Com. Or even an unremarkable woman. But for God’s sake, don’t give him black hair, more tattoos, and dress him in fucking thousand-dollar jeans and a black leather jacket.” I stared at the Elder like he was crazy, because he was acting like a moron right now. “Women and men will flock to him. He won’t be able to blend in and do what’s needed. I guaran-fucking-tee it.”
“Maybe she’s right,” Queen Ruckler murmured absently, staring at the One. He looked like every woman’s naughty fantasy. Her head cocked, her professional gaze running over him from head to toe. “I saw the staff eyeing him, and it sure as hell wasn’t to ask if he needed more towels.”
I crossed my arms, my point proven.
The One cleared his throat. “Actually, one very kind earth Elemental did ask if I needed extra towels.”
Dry words from Queen Ruckler. “Yes, I overheard.” Red brows quirked. “Right before she asked if she could use one after she had joined you in the shower.”
I choked, pounding on my chest, then I waggled my finger at the One again. My attention homed in on the Elder Mage. “Try a middle-aged Com. One that looks like he’s on a bender. There were always plenty of those around the casinos.”
Elder Farrar’s lips trembled, and his head tilted toward the One. “That’s the look he needs.”
I blinked. “I’m confused, because that’s the get-me-fucked-then-shot look.”
Another head tilt toward the One. “That’s the look he needs.”
I might have been setting a trend with my slow blinking. “You’re stating it like it’s a fact.” Not to mention that he was repeating himself.
Again he said with calm words, “That’s the look he needs.”
I stared for a long moment. Then another. Another crept on by. “Oh.” I nodded curtly, not a hundred percent sure what the hell I was feeling, but I was pretty clear I was a mess of emotions. “Right.” Another curt nod. “I understand.” I moved fluidly, keeping my muscles loose as I sat on the closest seat.