LOVE IN CONTRACT

a's

ne. I don't know what

eter than I wanted, b

so tight around my phon

My street was usually calm at this hour with families locked indoors, the occ

r a random street confrontation. His shoes were spotless. His expression relaxed

were measuring everything around him. His face was handsome enough

im was h

framed a face that was as sharp, and her green eyes held a calculating glare.

r lau

rt, amused sound, like he already

woman standing beside h

he was studying something she'd already decided she didn't like. Her blac

Victor said lightly. No

grip around the

u here?" I asked

s narrowed j

that," she said. Her voice was calm, a

allo

id," i said, choosing each word

is breath. "You journal

g fast now, but I forced myself to stay still. "If

stepped

close enough that I co

ietly. "You observe. You record

," I said. "

Funny thing about jobs," he said. "They come with limits. Lines you

rossed anyth

smile

sn't

t to decide t

r us for a brief second. I felt exposed, suddenl

ice firmer now. "You can't j

ned you, Yet,"

ve a problem, deal with it pr

briefly down the str

out it ca

most reasonable, but nothing

aid, keeping my voice ste

she said. "You just

doesn't have to be difficult. Work

the sent

more firmly this time. "And I w

he car door. "T

my gaze a mo

again," she

t into

r rolled away disappearing down the

zen for sev

as gone did I realize

on the day Nina c

e day felt spe

ays that didn't warn you b

t know

y yhere for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling, letting the sound of the city seep in

r norm

was small but familiar. My desk by the window, clothes folded on the chair because I'd bee

ipped through a few pages, th

The low sound of the radio she always turned on in the mornings.

have to wake up s

care if you're tired,"

myself and

e, apron tied loosely around her waist, her hair pulled back. Lily sa

ng," I

nt some eggs?" she

ve some,

You're awake

said, reaching for a mug.

ee for me anywa

odd

too much. Just do your best, an

ffee, letting the

I went back upsta

se and a pair of black slacks.

a low heels to

thin bracelet, the one Lily had got

ands of my hair behind my ear. "Okay," I mutter

ed on my screen: "Be ready. Big

. I had no idea wh