I’d learned that the hard way, all week. I hadn’t realized how much I’d relied on his scowls or his shrugs or his grudging looks of approval to help me figure something out—until they weren’t there anymore. Or how I could talk to some people about a lot of things, but only to him about everything.

I see you.” You always did, I thought, watching sparks dance in his eyes.

I see you.”You always did, I thought, watching sparks dance in his eyes.

I couldn’t see Pritkin’s face very well, just a pale blur against the shadows, but he didn’t sound happy. Some people thought he had only one mode... pissed off. In reality, he had plenty of them. Over the past few weeks, I’d learned to tell the difference between real pissed off, impatient pissed off and scared pissed off. I suspected that this was the last kind. If so, that made two of us.

I hadn't realized how much I'd relied on his scowls or his shrugs or his grudging looks of approval to help me figure something out-until they weren't there anymore. Or how I could talk to some people about a lot of things but only to him about everything. And how unbelievably valuable that was.

My body cheerfully informed me that he felt really good pressed against me like that, all hard muscles and smooth contours and ominous bulges. My body liked the air of barely leashed strength and caged mayhem he was giving off. My body thought he smelled really good, like heat and coffee and electricity. My body was going to get me killed.

Look, I need something-""Evidently.""Don't get all British on me," I snapped as his accent went clipped. That usually precipitated a hissy fit, but I was already having one and we didn't get to do that at the same time.

You said something else...something about needing me, for me. What did you mean?""I meant-I mean, well, we're friends-""Are we? Are we friends?""I-yes. What else would you, uh..""I am not sure what I would call it. I had never given it much thought until recently. There did not seem to be a point.""Yes, yes, exactly. And there's no reason to suddenly-""But I suppose I shall have to now, if I am returned, that is. Won't I?

Is anything going to kill me if I use your bathroom?" I finally asked."Knowing you?" Pritkin's voice was muffled since he hadn't raised his head.I frowned. "Is that a yes?"A couple of fingers came up to massage his temple. "That is a no. Assuming you didn't bring anything deadly along with you.