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The big h His eyes had seeuy for his intellect

"What I’ to say is… The incident you saw in the alley doesn’t need to be reported to my stepfather I took care of it, and we really don’t need more people at this little party, do we?"

Coht hi a breath when the collar of his shirtmore of the tattoo work around his collar They were letters, she thought, but nothing like she’d ever seen before Other than that one breath, he could have been one of the statues on display

"Do you have a name?" she asked

He frowned "You want my na, silent guy’ in ue, so yeah, a name would be nice" He was still silent Ava frowned "Is that not part of your job or--?"

"Malachi"

She smiled "Malachi?"

"My naed off the internal pleasure "It’s… easy to spell Anyway, I have an appoint back toto take a nap for approximately forty-five minutes, but will realize it’s too hot, so I’ll then take a shower and read a book Maybe du in ood security, but please feel free to lurk around the entrance so you can shadow me to my appointment later"

Malachi stared at her, still silent Finally, he put down the book and crossed his ar at her as if he was trying to solve a puzzle

"Nothing to add? Any questions? I’m not sure how much Mom and Carl told you I’ pictures… for azine"

More silence

Ava shook her head and stood "Fine Whatever I’ll see you around, Malachi"

She turned to go, but he said her name in that low voice and she turned back

"Ava"

"Yes?"

He stood and walked toward her He didn’t hold out his hand, didn’t touch her in any way, but she still felt surrounded Her breath caught as his inner voice took on an urgent tone

"I will protect you"