Chapter 7

I was a little nervous as Niko led me into the diner. He led me to one of the small corner booths, motioning for me to scoot in first. "I'll be right back," Niko told me as I got comfortable. I watched as he walked through the swinging doors leading straight into the kitchen area.

 

I tried my best to ignore the glares from my coworkers as I sat and waited for Niko to return. I was so worried about Trey that I didn't even think about them. But why would they be mad? They should be happy because now they will be getting extra hours, even if it is temporary.

 

I didn't have long to worry about them, though, because unfortunately for me, Trey was headed my way. He crossed the room with quick, determined steps. His eyes focused solely on me, and his face was full of anger. Oh shit! I knew I shouldn't have come. I looked around, hoping to see Niko coming. It seems he is the only one not afraid of Trey, and also someone who makes Trey look a little scared. But he was nowhere to be seen. Still in the kitchen, I assumed.

 

"Really?" Trey scoffed as he approached the table, "You claimed to need time off, but here you are."

 

He narrowed his eyes at me, "If you can manage to come in to eat, then surely you can manage to work your assigned shift."

 

I watched nervously as he quickly scanned the room, I'm sure looking for Niko. When he didn't see him, the look in his eyes seemed to darken...if that's even possible.

 

"I'm just letting you know now, for future reference, just because you're sleeping with Niko doesn't mean you will be getting any special treatment. You're nothing but the flavor of the week. The latest project for him, so to speak. You aren't the first and you won't be the last..."

 

His words were cut short as Niko spun him around, grabbing him by the throat, "What did you say, Trey? You seem so eager to run your mouth...run it now."

 

His voice, although hard and cold, was steady and even — almost calm. His face showed something completely different, though. Something more than just anger. He looked practically feral. I had never seen someone so mad yet so controlled at the same time. It was actually very terrifying. But I wasn't scared for my own safety. No, in fact, I had never felt safer. How weird was I? There has to be something wrong with me.

There was no way to miss the fear in Trey's eyes as he grabbed at Niko's hands. I sat and watched as Niko pushed him back into the wall, his hand still tight around his neck. "What's wrong, Trey? Are you done talking so soon? It was just getting interesting...right?"

 

Niko's voice seemed to grow deeper with every word he spoke, and for a split second, I could have sworn his eyes had flashed black. Niko released him, shoving him to the floor. "Remember your place and don't ever forget who I am."

 

With that, Niko grabbed my hand, pulling me from the booth and leading me from the diner. His anger was still simmering; it was evident to everyone. He led me to the car, opening the door for me and waiting for me to get in before rounding the car and getting in himself.

 

"I'm sorry," he apologized, "He was out of line. I truly didn't think he would act like that."

 

I was a little surprised that he was apologizing. He hadn't done anything wrong. "I'm sorry that you had to see me lose my temper in there," he continued as he reversed and pulled onto the road. I could still see he was very worked up over the whole incident. "And, please," he told me softly as he stopped at a red light, "do not believe what he said about me. I don't sleep around or have projects or anything like that. I swear."

His face told me he was being sincere. His tone was soft as he spoke to me. The complete opposite of only seconds before. Did I believe what Trey said? No, for some reason I didn't. For some reason, I believed he was only trying to hurt me when he said all of that. The more I thought about it, I realized Niko had not once made me feel like a project to him, or even that I was beneath him. I didn't feel like a charity case to him.

"I don't believe a word he said," I told him as I looked at him.

 

You could see the relief wash over his face at my confession, "Look, I know we don't really know each other, but I do hope to get to know you better...if I survive this." I looked at the funeral home Niko had parked in front of. Sadness and hopelessness filled me.

 

"Don't worry," Niko whispered as he took my hand in his, "You'll survive. I'll make sure of it. I promise."

His words, though meant to comfort me, did nothing to ease my rising anxiety. I took a deep breath before reaching for the door handle. "I'm not sure how long this will take, so you don't have to wait. I can walk home when I'm done." I stepped from the car only to be met by Niko.

 

He looked at me like I was crazy, and maybe I was at this point. "I'm going in with you," he told me, taking my hand in his once again, "Even if you want me to wait in the lobby, I'm coming in with you."

I didn't argue. There was no reason to...because deep down I didn't want to do this by myself. Deep down, I was pleased he was here and wasn't running the other way. It was different having someone by my side. But I liked it.

 

The lobby was quiet as we entered, the scent of flowers faint in the air. A middle-aged woman entered from a back room, "Hello, are you Justice?"