Lord of Destiny (The Dragon Demigods #6) - Charlene Hartnady Page 0,92
about his girlfriend. “They’re forgiving and kind and loving.” I think he might be talking about Ashley more than Raven at this point.
“I’m not so sure. At the very least, she’s seriously on the rebound.” My chest feels tight. “They didn’t break up that long ago. She was sure he was the one. They dated for years.”
“You have real feelings for her,” Bolt says. “I recognize the look.”
I nod.
“What’s happened since they went to talk to West? That was two days ago.” He frowns, eyes on mine.
I shrug. “I haven’t seen her since then. I’ve been laying low. I wasn’t well, and then…I holed up. I had this thing I needed to get done for work.” I look down at my paintbrush. More like hiding away like a yellow-bellied coward. A chicken shit!
“You haven’t talked to her?” Bolt asks, sounding shocked.
I shake my head. “I’ll admit that it wasn’t my injuries or work. I’m afraid. I don’t want her to confirm my suspicions.”
“It sounds like they might have plans to move on. To leave town. You need to talk to her before it’s too late. You need to ask her straight out. Don’t assume. Never fucking assume. It’s one of the first rules in business.”
“This isn’t business.” I smile, feeling marginally better.
“Relationships work in a similar fashion. Frankly, the assumption rule counts for everything in life. If you like her, go after her. If you ask me, she’s waiting for you to do just that. Women have a thing about who makes the first move.”
“I have such limited experience when it comes to women. Maybe I am reading this all wrong.” I pull in a deep breath. “There’s only one way to find out.”
“Only one way,” Rage says, still painting. I had almost forgotten that he was here. Come to think of it, I’ve never seen Rage with a woman. I’ve never seen him talk to one, unless he was ordering a drink…or turning one down when they offer to buy him one. He doesn’t get many offers since he’s menacing as fuck. He has this ‘stay away’ vibe that most women acknowledge. Not all – there are those who love him. It’s never reciprocated. He’s never mentioned anyone before. Does he even have sex?
Surely, he has needs…
Why have I never thought about this before?
Maybe because I was like him not so long ago. A loner. Just a much nicer version. Without scars or an affinity to inflict pain and suffering and death. Not that he gives in to these particular urges.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Rage asks. His black eyes are searching my face. He doesn’t look impressed. It doesn’t take much to get his back up.
“I was wondering where your dog is?’ I blurt, even though that wasn’t it at all. I’m grateful to my subconscious for saving my ass because the Doberman isn’t at his feet, where I’ve become accustomed to seeing her. The question just popped into my head.
“I took her to the pound.” He starts painting the wall again.
“Really?” I sound shocked.
“What dog?” Bolt asks.
I fill him in. “I really thought you would keep her. You guys looked tight.”
He stops what he’s doing and turns. “We were not fucking tight. How can a person be tight with an animal?” He looks angry. I’m not sure why. “I told all of you that I wasn’t keeping the thing. That I was going to try to find her owner. I tried. I fucking failed. She’s at the pound. You go and adopt her. End of fucking story.”
“Okay, okay.” I hold my hands up. “Sheesh! I’m sorry I asked.”
“Don’t ask me stupid questions again. What are you still doing here, anyway?” His tone softens.
“I was on my way out.” I take a step back. “I need the keys to your apartment, please,” I ask Bolt, who frowns. “I figure you’ll be here for at least another hour or two. I need somewhere private to talk.”
“To talk?” Bolt lifts his brows like he thinks I’m talking shit.
“Yes, Barrett and her brother, Maddox, are at my place right now. In fact, Zale might be there too.”
“Talking about Zale…” Bolt growls. “When can I meet him? I take it he knows about me?”
I nod. “He knows. Here’s his number.” I pull out my phone and send Bolt Zale’s contact information. “I’ll let him know to expect your call.”
“Thanks.” Bolt’s jaw tenses for a moment, and then any sign of stress is gone.