Cursed by the Fountain of Youth

Chapter 23

Fae knew this job would end up biting her in the butt. Nick wanted to watch her at work. He insisted she still needed a guard. It had been one month, and she was ready for life to get back to normal. Though until they caught Lafayette, life couldn't ever be normal. Still, here she was, back at work—still weak, but functional.

She certainly hoped today wouldn't be the first day of modeling in the buff. From the looks of it, Nick wouldn't be backing down. He confirmed her suspicions with his next words.

"No," he growled at Fae. "You are absolutely not going in there alone."

"I have to," Fae said, determined. "And I've already missed too much work as it is. I'm lucky to still have a job."

"And what, you expect me to grab a burger and fries and leave you unprotected while you work? What kind of job is this?"

"It's perfectly respectable. I provide a valuable service."

"I never thought it wasn't respectable. Darn it, Fae, what are you trying to hide?"

Fae looked down, heat rising in her cheeks. "I work for the college's art department...as a model."

Nick didn't say anything. He was smart. He knew exactly what that statement implied. Fae could imagine the condemnation in his eyes and wasn't ready to face it yet. He pulled her to a stop in front of the building, stepped in front of her, and lifted her chin up so that she had to look him in the eye.

Fae felt a jolt of surprise when she saw his expression. He did look unhappy, but also relieved.

"Figure drawing, right?" he asked.

Fae nodded.

"I tried to take that class when I was in college. They wouldn't let me. It was an upper-level class for art majors. I'm guessing it's the same here."

Fae nodded again.

"Listen," he said, his voice low. "I do have to admit, I'm not thrilled you've been seen naked by countless men. But I understand."

Fae shook her head.

"I don't understand?" he asked.

"No," Fae stammered. "I...haven't posed nude yet."

Nick sighed and raised his eyebrow. "You don't want to do it," he said, stating her feelings.

"I'll have to," Fae said, resigned. "Eventually."

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to, Fae."

"I need the money. I tried to find something else, but I came too late. All the other jobs were taken. I couldn't even find a job flipping burgers."

"I know of a job."

"Oh, please don't tell me you want to hire me. I don't need a pity job."

"It's not me. It's the office. It's not much, just custodial, but it pays better than minimum wage. One of the girls just up and quit."

"How many hours? I can't miss school."

"It's after five, only twenty hours a week."

"I'd be working for the FBI?"

"You won't be an agent, but yeah. How much are you making at the school?"

Fae cleared her throat. "Fifty dollars an hour."

Nick swore. "Seriously?"

Fae nodded.

"I'm in the wrong profession."