“Outside this town,ragazza, I’m a god.”
She squinted into the sun like she was trying to see something way out there. “Do you think if there really were gods, they would enjoy it? The decisions, being responsible for lives, moving mountains maybe when they were tired?” Her sapphire eyes cut to me. “Do you get tired, Bastian?”
I didn’t answer her. If I opened my mouth, I’d say something I didn’t think either of us could handle. Morina could see somewhere in me that I didn’t want anyone to see. She asked questions and rolled with things in her mind no one else would. Her thoughts put into words so quickly were dangerous.
At least to me.
The wind blew her dark chocolate waves off her shoulders and the sun just started to rise enough that it kissed her tanned skin. The silhouette she created against the sea and sunrise was one an artist should have captured.
She cleared her throat, perhaps realizing I wouldn’t answer. “Anyway, you think I’m stupid for not giving in right away, for not taking your hand in marriage immediately. Maybe I was. I need time to adapt.”
“I understand that, but you haven’t got the time.”
“Well, I’m starting to get that.” She grabbed for her wrist, perhaps seeking the beaded bracelets I’d spotted before, but they weren’t there. She still ran her hands back and forth, trying to find comfort without them.
“Should I get someone to pack for you?”
“Pack for me?” She chuckled. “I wonder how many times you moved over the years and just had someone pack it all up for you.”
She liked to point out our differences. It created a barrier that she felt like she needed. I was okay with that. We’d need boundaries anyway.
“If you’re fine packing yourself, I can have Dante drive you over when you’re ready.”
“I have a pickup truck. I just don’t use it much.” She cleared her throat. “I can look over some buildings with you. I don’t have access to everything with regard to rent yet but I can owe you for half of wherever we stay.”
“I already own a building near the company.” I’d only recently purchased and furnished a place because I felt inclined to make her happy with where we stayed. Why I was going to such great lengths, I didn’t know. No one was going to be scoping out our living room. “No need for rent when I’m as invested in this venture as you are. I’m hoping to stay in your good graces enough that I can buy out your shares when the time comes.”
“I just need to trust you’ll keep this city safe and thriving, Bastian. My grandma–”
“She didn’t trust me.”
“Well, right.”
“My father wasn’t as good to her as he should have been.” I admitted, knowing that my only reason for being here should have been to make sure I cleaned up that business now.
“Okay.” She dragged out that same word, a tell that she was uncomfortable and didn’t know how to proceed.
As the wind picked up and she shivered, I couldn’t help be irritated with her lack of clothing. I unzipped my hoodie and handed it to her. She frowned and took a step back. “I’m fine.”
“You’re shivering.” I pointed out.
She shook her head as if my hoodie was extremely offensive.
I held up the hoodie again. “Seriously?”
“Then you’ll be cold. Plus, I’m in shock that you’re not wearing a suit. A hoodie was one thing, now a t-shirt?”
The way she said it with a straight face, in utter disbelief had me looking down to make sure I actually looked alright. Then, a laugh burst out of me. “Are you kidding me?”
“No!” She snatched my hoodie as I continued to laugh at her and stuffed her arms in the sleeves. “It’s unnerving that someone wears a suit so much but seeing you out of it feels unnatural.”
“Well, I was sleeping when I got a call about your break in.”
“Did you run here to save me?” She blinked with wide eyes and a smarmy smirk.
“You’d think you’d be thankful,” I grumbled and turned back to the food truck.
“I’m a little perturbed is what I am. I won’t be able to open the food truck and they didn’t even do a good job of finding me. I mean, was this a kidnapping?” She stomped after me. “They didn’t have to wreck my equipment.”