The Puppet Assassin [TTR sequel]

The Puppet Assassin - Ch 24 [An Enticing Possibility -|- Dizelde]

He stared at me for a moment, his eyes finally clearing to focus on me properly. He coughed.

“That’s my girl,” Lark said cheerily.

My girl. Why did that send a shiver up my spine and make me nearly blush?

“But actually, Luke,” Larkin continued, “I’m going away for a week. I know that this is a time that you probably need my help but I have to see my family and talk about an upcoming decision.”

Luke ran both his hands down his face, pulling his skin taut. “Do you think Garth’d kill me if I woke him up now?”

Lark shrugged. “You know that, if it’s important, he’ll kill you for not waking him up. And the way you look right now, I figure it’s important.” He looked like he was about to say more but closed his mouth and shrugged again.

Luke turned and left. Leaving me with Lark. I still wasn’t sure if this was a positive or a negative circumstance. I watched him as he walked to the fridge, humming.

“You don’t have to worry, puppet,” he said suddenly, pulling a large plate of pancakes out of the fridge. They must’ve been up the back because I hadn’t seen them.

“About what?” I asked, not totally interested. His tone made it clear that he was about to tease me and I wasn’t in the mood. He’d shown physical interest in me, just yesterday, and now he was leaving. He hadn’t even talked about the gnawing incident.

He put the stack of pancakes in the microwave and pressed a couple of buttons before turning to me and folding his arms. His biceps stood out as they tensed and I remembered his strength as he’d held me up against the wall. I felt my face turn red. Damn.

He smiled triumphantly which made me slightly irritated. I knew he was competitive but right now it wasn’t necessary. I wasn’t trying to beat him at anything.

“Worried about what, Larkin?” I asked again, letting a small amount of my frustration to seep into my tone.

He grinned predatorily. “You don’t have to worry, puppet,” he said, leaning forward, “because I am coming back.”

“Yay,” I drew out the word in a monotone voice. Garth’s sarcasm was catching.

He shook his head, still grinning, and took a few steps closer to me. “I don’t think you’re catching on.”

I shrugged and finished the glass of juice. The microwave beeped and he pulled out the pancakes. He retrieved two plates from the cupboard and jerked his head towards the table. I sat without arguing. If he was going to share, I wouldn’t make a fuss.

I should’ve waited until he sat first. He came up behind me, setting the plates and pancakes down by leaning over my shoulder. I flinched away but as he pulled back he placed his big hands on my shoulders and his breath tickled my ear. My own breath caught in my throat.

“I’m coming back to catch you.”

My fingers and toes clenched without my control. Blood rushed to my face, hot, boiling hot. My heart was beating so fast and so loud I just knew that he’d be able to hear it oh-so-clearly.

His hands massaged my shoulders a little but he didn’t say anymore. It was like he was letting the message sink in. I couldn’t even begin eating, scared that if I opened my mouth I’d start gasping for air. It felt like a hot hand was squeezing my lungs.

“Where have you always wanted to go, Dizelde?” He enquired without warning. It was as if he decided the moment was over. It was difficult for me to so quickly release the embarrassment and longing that I was feeling. I breathed deeply through my nose. It was only when I truly thought about my answer that the swirl of emotions faded.