PIPER
Once, I dreamed I was living in my dentist's office and went to swim lessons in the lobby. The receptionist was my mom and she had wings like an angel.
Stepping out of Timofey's office and back into the party feels a lot like that. Like moving through the incoherent stages of a dream. Nothing makes any sense, but I'm expected to smile and wave at guests after spending the last five minutes talking to a potential murderer.
"If you don't get some colour in your cheeks, people are going to think you're scared of me." Timofey pulls me into his chest as the music shifts into a slow song, almost as if he timed it this way. I wouldn't be surprised if he did.
"Maybe I am."
A frown pinches his brows together. His blue eyes are sapphire tonight, shimmering in the light from the candles that have been placed in the centre of all the tables. "I told you I'd protect you."
"There are lots of different reasons to be scared," I say softly.
