Blood Leverage (Bloodstone Chronicles Book 1) by J S Hazzard Read Free Book Online

laughed and shook her head, giving a theatrical shudder. “Please. I want it to dye yarn. It’s big enough to fit several skeins, small enough to carry and able to withstand the high temperatures needed to set the colors.” 
    Though I wanted to tell Amy about everything that had happened last night, I needed to get home. Nicky had insisted we leave early. As a compromise, I took her by the arm and began towing her back with me. Confused but amiable, she fell into step. I lowered my voice conspiratorially. “Dominic is taking me scavenging. I’ll be hunting for your stuff but you can’t tell—”
    “ HOLY SHIT! ” Her mouth fell open and I pinched the underside of her arm as half the courtyard stared. Normally Amy would’ve caught on, but she was too excited. Instead she squealed, drawing even more attention, and I congratulated myself for not sharing my news about Nicky. The entire square would’ve heard in seconds.
    Gripping her shoulders, I stared into her eyes the best I could. It was a challenge. They’d all but rolled back with excitement.
    “Was it a bee?” I demanded. “A wasp? Did it get your arm?”
    Still reeling, she made an effort. “Um… Sure?” She wasn’t remotely convincing, but it was better than nothing.
    “C’mon, we’ll go back to my place for some baking soda and cider vinegar.” She let herself be tugged like a pup on a leash, the curious crowd parting to let us through.             
    Nicky was in my kitchen, having helped himself to my leftover sausage sandwiches—better him than me. He looked at me cautiously before greeting Amy, no doubt wondering how much I’d blabbed.
    It pleased me to see he’d already showered. Regardless of last night’s activities, he looked as innocuous as he ever did, with no trace of last night’s escapades evident. He’d even shaved, which I found inexplicably disappointing.
    Forcing myself to focus, I set two sticky buns on his napkin. “It’s okay,” I reassured him. “I told her the plan. I figured someone should know where I am, though she did get a little rambunctious.” I shot Amy an exasperated look.
    She looked at us with a sheepish grin. “Sorry about that, but it’s exciting! I promise I won’t say a word. I’ll even wear one of your plastic bandages so no one doubts the bee thing.” She scampered to the bathroom.
    Nicky cocked his head. “Bee thing?”
    I laughed. “Just run with it. Is everything ready to go?”
    He washed down a bite before answering. “I think so. I have your bag and my things are locked in the truck.” He wrapped his remaining bun in a napkin and held it up for approval. “If I can borrow this, we’ll head out now.”
    I shook my head. “If you don’t mind, I’ll take the tunnels and meet you at 7891’s bakery.”
    “The tunnels? It’s broad daylight,” Nicky objected.
    My cheeks burned as I shrugged. “If we leave together, people might realize we spent the night together. No matter what they speculate about us I’d rather not give anyone ammunition for the petition.”
    Nicky nodded. “I can’t imagine it would make anyone vote against you, but people would talk. We’ll do it your way.” He gave me a barely-there kiss that tasted of syrup before hefting our boxes and leaving.
    Seconds later, Amy came out smiling, admiring her colorful bandage. “Nicky left already? I’d walk you out, but I need to get back to mom. Can’t wait to hear everything! I love you and be careful ! And have FUN!”
    She blew me a kiss and scampered away before I could share anything else.
    Sulking, I locked up and walked to Robert’s, gritting my teeth in anticipation. Fortunately, a small sign on his door read that he’d stepped out, sparing me the confrontation. Pleased at my small stroke of luck—and let’s face it, I was due—I slipped down into the tunnels.
    After several minutes of walking, I regretted declining the ride. Though Nicky’s efforts had temporarily made me forget last