The Law is Hard

Chapter 15

Magnus' POV

I walk into Ragnor's apartment with a flourish. I cannot help the smile that stretches my face and the bounce that springs in my step. I am going on a date! With Alexander!!

My mind is so full of intense blue eyes, his commanding voice, raven black hair and alabaster skin that I don't know the grumpy man on the couch glaring at me over his fashion magazine until he says—quite snidely, "What's got you all sunshine and rainbows?"

"I do not care for your tone, but I am honestly too happy to let your thundercloud rain on me," I respond with a spin. I forget that Alexander's pants are a long on me and I trip over the hem, turning my graceful spin into an awkward stumble.

"Alright, then what happened to your hair? And your pants?" Ragnor asks with increasing amusement, which for Ragnor just means he isn't being entirely grumpy.

I look back at him, my smile now a bit sheepish and embarrassed. I had totally forgotten about my disaster of hair and makeup. Oh no. Ragnor can't see my make-up!

I quickly look away as I see his eyes narrow on my face.

"What happened to my make-up?" He exclaims. He rises from the couch and strides toward me, his thin face crunched in concentration and a hint of anger.

I sigh. "I'm sorry, Ragnor, I had to smear it off and ruin my hair because the paparazzi were all over me today."

He stops in his tracks. I see his eyes twinkling and the corner of his mouth turning up.

"Don't you dare say it!" I say to him, holding my hand up to ward off his smugness.

He takes a deep breath then says with a delighted smile, "I told you so!"

"Argh!" I shout back at him.

He laughs, "oh come now, Magnus, while I enjoyed doing your makeup, you have to admit that I was right in saying it wasn't a good idea for you to go out like that."

I grumble and cross my arms. "Whatever." I sigh at my childishness. "No, you're right. I should have listened to you and Aline. I was selfish to go out with my full look. I put myself at risk, but more importantly, I put Alexander at risk."

I drop my face in my hands. How could I be so selfish? I put us at risk just so I could impress a man. A beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, kind man who may not want to be in the spotlight.

I feel Ragnor poke my shoulder. "Hey, it's not your fault all those reporters came after you. It is theirs, they are the ones who made the decision to follow you and pester Alec Wood even though you have made it clear you wanted a break from the spotlight."

I look up at him, "how did you...? Oh no, what's been put out there so far?"

Of course there are already posts and articles. It's been a few hours. I pull out my phone and see countless Instagram, Facebook, tumblr and Twitter notifications. As well as text messages from Aline Blackthorn, my father and Lorenzo Rey.

I'm sure Lorenzo is having a field day with this publicity.

"Well, a lot of it has been speculations about your relationship with Alec Wood and where Camille is and where you were going or doing."

I decide that before I deal with any of this, I need a hot shower and a change of clothes.

***

I exit the small, now-steamy bathroom to see Ragnor in the same position as when I arrived. I have no product in my hair, no makeup on my face, but I am wearing a bright pink tank top and ripped black jeans that have had every seam bejeweled with white and pink rhinestones.