"So, what?" I snapped. "I'm right then, and this is about some Greek Goddess that you all worship as some cult or something?" I didn't actually believe that assessment, but I felt like the butt of a joke and didn't likeit.
"Of course not, Little Bit." Knix shook his head. "We're part of an organization called Iris. It's more of a nod to the system that we go by. You're right, Iris is the Goddess of the Rainbow and I suppose the organization was named that in deference to how our teams aresplit."
"How are they split?" Iasked.
Knix put a palm on the back of his neck and leaned to the side, stretching and cracking the muscles there. "We can't tell you more until we're sure you're committed. The only thing I meant by how teams are split, is that they're defined by color. No cults, Ipromise."
"Alright, then, tell me the rest." I crossed my arms over my chest and sat back against the cushions, waiting. "I'll agree to be committed.” Knix flicked a glance at theguys.
"It's a bit more complicated than that," he replied, looking back atme.
"Uncomplicate itthen."
He sighed. "I can't dothat."
"Well, then what the hell am I doing here?" I stood up. "You drag me out here to talk and then you won't tell me anything. What was the point in pulling me away, huh? What was the point in even trying to recruit someone if you won't tell them what it is exactly that you're recruiting themfor?"
Knix watched me with assessing eyes. "I want you to talk with Tex," he announced suddenly. "He's much better at explaining some of these things. He knows what he can and can't answer and he'll do his best to clarify what hecan."
"Delegating tasks then?" Ifrowned.
"That's what we're about, Harlow." He rose from the couch, arching over me with this massive frame and bulging muscles. I knew I was small to begin with, but next to him I felt even tinier, and I wasn't sure if he was using an intimidation tactic or if he simply couldn't help it. "We work as a team. This is a part of Tex's job, and I won't take that fromhim."
The man in question stared at me from his position on the corner of the coffee table before rising to his feet. He held out one long-fingered hand, palm out,waiting.
"I don't bite," he said with a smile. I narrowed my eyes at him. I knew that he wouldn't bite me. He was an adult for goodness sake, but when I let my hand drift up and those fingers closed over mine, he leaned forward and whispered close to my ear, "Unless you ask menicely."
I reared back, but my hand was firmly in his grasp and he simply tugged me along behind him. I felt more than a little out of control, but as I glanced back over my shoulder, I realized that I wasn't scared. I had been honest when I admitted that I didn't think these guys would hurt me. More than that, I thought that I could trust them to protect me if I really committed to being part of their team. It was an odd feeling for a girl who hadn't ever had someone else to relyon.