| |
I pulled into Rex’s driveway. His car was parked right in front of me, so I was sure he was home. I climbed out and went to the door. I rang the doorbell, then waited. After several minutes of no response, I started banging on the door. Movement on the other side of the door caught my attention, so I quit banging.
Rex yanked the door open. His hair was sticking up, and he was wearing nothing but a pair of boxers with rubber ducks on them. A deep-set scowl hardened his handsome features. “What the fuck, Dory?”
I stifled a smile as I stepped past him and walked toward the den. “Do you have a thing for rubber ducks?”
He sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. “An ex bought them for me. I’m running low on clean laundry. Is something wrong? Did something happen to your phone?”
My eyes narrowed as I sat down on his couch. “You don’t want to see me?”
His eyes widened in surprise. “No ... I mean yes ... of course I want to see you. You normally call ... give me a warning, you know.” He settled down on the couch next to me as he continued to watch me carefully. “Are you and Henry fighting?”
I scoffed. “These days it’s hard to determine when we aren’t fighting. How’s your relationship with him these days?”
He shrugged as he looked away. “He’s been busy with his new thing, you know. I try not to bother him too much.”
I decided to dive right in and hope he didn’t run straight to Henry. “I’ve been offered a job of sorts, and they want me to find a partner. You were the first person that came to mind because I know you’ll have my back.”
His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “What kind of job?”
I sighed as I looked away. “You have to promise not to get mad or to run straight to Henry. I’m a big girl and can make my own choices.” I straightened as I looked directly at him. “I’m going forward with this whether you agree or not, so don’t try to talk me out of it.”
He scowled. “Just tell me the damn job already, Dorian.”
I took a slow breath as I held his gaze. “I’ve agreed to be the executioner for this district.”
His eyes widened and he jumped to his feet. “What! Have you lost your mind?”
I sighed as I stood. “No ... I think it’s important that I do this, and I would like you to be my partner.”
He balked. “You want me to be an executioner? You do realize their life expectancy is like ... a week!” He was shouting and throwing his hands around. It was the first time I’d ever seen him so worked up.
“Please, Rex ... I want to do this. I want my life to matter in some way other than just being the last pureblood, female elf,” I said darkly.
He laughed. “Yeah ... now you want to be the last female, pureblood, suicidal elf.”
I rolled my eyes. “I am not suicidal. I’ve been offered a chance to make a difference. I’ve watched how the executions are carried out, and I’m disgusted. We can do better ... you and I can do better.”
He shook his head. “You need to talk to Henry, Dorian. He needs to talk some sense into you or something.”
I scowled. “I’m not talking to him. He thinks I’m only good for attending parties and breeding.”
“That’s not true, Dory ... you’re being too hard on him,” he countered.
I held his gaze for a minute, then I shook my head. “If you don’t want to come that’s fine, but I’m doing this.” I turned to leave, but he caught my hand. I paused and looked back at him.
His expression was impossible to read, but I could see fear and concern reflecting in his eyes. “Give me twenty minutes to get ready, and we will go.”
I smiled, then I squealed excitedly and hugged him. “Thank you, Rex.”
He laughed harshly. “Don’t thank me ... we’re still gonna die ... we’ll just die together.”
I pulled back and grinned up at him. “I think we’ll be a great team.”
He smiled, shaking his head. “Go make coffee ... I’ll be down soon.” He turned and made his way back upstairs.
I went to the kitchen and began brewing a pot of coffee like he asked. It was possible he was right ... we might die but then again, we might not.
