Rather than cause anymore of a scene, she figured it best to go with him. She’d let him say his piece. This was more about her leaving without permission than the fact she’d gone. He could have the last word and then she’d return to St. Christopher’s tomorrow, all back to the way things had always been. But she couldn’t afford to piss him off. She didn’t need to look for a new job on top of all this.
Scout gently laid her hand on Parker’s sleeve.
His pleading green eyes met hers. “Don’t go anywhere with this asshole, Scout. You don’t have to do a damn thing. He’s not taking you anywhere.”
“Parker,” she said softly. “It’s okay. He’s my boss.”
“That doesn’t make him the boss of you.”
“Wanna bet? Thirty seconds,” Lucian said.
“Parker, listen to me.” She forced him to turn and face her. Her friend was tense and ready to spring. “This is Lucian Patras. He owns the hotel. He’s . . .” she sighed. “My friend.”
“Ten seconds.”
Parker looked at her with such desperation in his eyes. He whispered, “Don’t go with him, Scout.”
What a disaster. “I can’t stay here, Park.”
“Time’s up, Evelyn.”
She reached for her bag and Parker stayed her hand. Lucian caught his arm and growled, “You don’t touch her.”
“Lucian! Knock it off,” she hissed and brushed his hand off of Parker’s arm. “Listen to me, Park. Everything’s fine. I’ll be fine. I shouldn’t have come back here. I need to go. I’ll come find you in a few days.” It should take that long to say her good-bye to Lucian Patras. “Do me a favor and if you get a chance—”
“I know, check on Pearl. I will.”
He looked back at Lucian then turned to her and whispered, “Be careful, Scout. They aren’t like us. Don’t let them make you believe they are and get yourself hurt.”
She smiled sadly at her friend. He would never leave this place because he’d been on the other side before and, in his mind, had failed. He’d never escape this world until he started believing he was good enough.
“I’ll be all right.”
She walked past him, lugging her bag, and Lucian grabbed for her arm. She yanked herself away from him and stomped out to the limo. Just because she was agreeing to go with him did not mean she was excusing him from embarrassing her in front of everyone at the shelter and getting Parker upset.
Chapter 18
Friends
Lucian scowled at Scout the entire way back to the hotel. He blanketed her with his body as he ushered her through the lobby. They rode the elevators in silence. When they reached his suites he went right to the master bath and began to fill the tub.
“Strip.”
“Lucian—”
“I said strip.” His words were bit out, but she could sense his fear through his resounding fury. Living on the streets, she’d learned to see through people’s acts. Hostility often veiled insecurity or fear. Lucian was being hostile because he was afraid. She just wasn’t sure if his panic stemmed from possibly losing her or losing what she represented to him or just losing in general. Either way, she was there now.
She could tell he didn’t want to say more, but his words came rushing out anyway. “What the hell were you doing there, Evelyn? Do you have any idea how dangerous places like that are? People die in that section of the city all the time. I told you that you were not to go back there—”
“I live there, Lucian.” The rush of water spilling from the faucet was the only sound. “I’m sorry, Lucian. I didn’t want you to know. I’ll leave.”
“Will you stop running away from me!” His fingers forked through his messy hair. “Just give me a minute to think.” He sat on the edge of the large Jacuzzi tub. “You live there?”
Pursing her lips she nodded slowly.
“Your paperwork said you lived in the apartments on Locus Street.”
“I needed a mailing address.”
Scout shifted her feet. She didn’t want to sit or it would only make it harder to leave. “Look, none of this is your fault. As a matter of fact, you’ve been nothing but kind to me . . . sort of. I know you didn’t know what you were getting into when you made your offer. I should’ve told you about my situation. I’m sorry. I’m sorry about all of it, the shelter, causing you to worry, my virginity . . .”
His dark eyes drilled into her as the last word left her mouth. He shook his head slowly and whispered, “You’re so innocent, Evelyn.”
Scout laughed. “Innocent is the last thing I am, Lucian. I’ve seen things that would make your skin crawl. Just because I’ve kept my nose clean doesn’t mean—”
“You are innocent. I cannot allow you to go back to that place.”