You Are So Not a Fallen Angel

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Lorris followed me and we left the park, heading for Blackwith’s main square. I saw Flora almost immediately, sitting at one of the tables outside the café. There was no sign of Aubin, and Flora looked put out.

“Hey, Flora,” Lorris said, leaning down to kiss her one each cheek. “How are you?”

Flora’s cheeks pinked prettily. “I’m fine. What about you?”

“I’m doing great, thank you for asking.” He slid in the chair opposite her. “You look lovely, by the way.”

“Thank you.” Flora dropped her eyes and smile coyly. I shook my head at Lorris’ blatant attempts at manipulating her, and wondered why he was doing it. Maybe he thought he needed practice. Maybe he did it without thinking. Flora’s eyes fell on me. “Where have you been, you’re covered in dirt.”

“I was crawling about some bushes,” I said. They both shot me looks, Flora one of irritation, Lorris one of disbelief. “I was spying on someone.”

“You need a hobby,” Flora said condescendingly. Lorris held my eyes for an instant, then turned back to Flora.

“You wouldn’t happen to know where Aubin is, would you?” he asked. Flora’s brow creased.

“He left,” she said petulantly. “Ages ago.”

“Did he say where he was going?”

“He didn’t say anything. Just jumped up and ran off without a word of explanation.”

“Why don’t you call him?” I asked.

“I forgot my phone,” Lorris said, narrowing his eyes at me.

“Use Flora’s. You don’t mind, do you?”

Flora blushed properly now. “I don’t have his number,” she admitted. Well, that was one question answered at least.

“Doesn’t matter.” Lorris shrugged. “I’ll find him eventually.”

“Wasn’t it important?” I asked. Lorris glared at me.

“Not really,” he hissed. “Alright, Flora, we’ll leave you to it.” He gave Flora another dazzling smile, stood up and almost dragged me away from the terrace.

“Is something the matter?” he demanded.

“Nothing,” I said, pulling away. His nails had left little crescent marks on my arm.

“Are you trying to say something?”

“No!”

“Because if you are, can you just come out and say it?”

“I wasn’t... Oh, forget it!” I spun around and stalked off in the opposite direction.

“Eliza!” Lorris hurried after me. He reached out and put a hand on my shoulder.

“Don’t touch me!” I snapped, brushing his hand away.

He stepped back, hands held up. “What’s the matter with you?”

My hand itched to slap him. “I can’t believe you have to ask that,” I said through gritted teeth.

“I’m not all-knowing. Sometimes I do need to be told things.”

“Well, let me tell you this. You are doing my bloody head in!”

He looked astonished. He opened his mouth to speak, but I didn’t give him time to say anything.

“All the bloody secrets, the coming and going with no warning, the lying, the getting in a snit for no reason. It’s driving me bonkers!” I stopped, out of breath.