Cupid's Daughter by Libby Sparks Read Free Book Online Page A

in the arm. "She's mortal, and Hayden."
    "Hayden, nice name," he teased.
    We laughed and kidded back and forth all the way to my apartment building. Night had fallen while we strolled through the city and the starlight illuminated the streets. Just as we approached the front entrance, I stopped and turned to him.
    "Thanks for today."
    "Yeah, no problem. It's nice to take a day off, isn't it?"
    "Yes, normally," I replied.
    "Well, back to business tomorrow, then?"
    "Yeah, I'll, um, come by around nine?" I asked. "Or is that too early?"
    "No, no, that's fine," he assured me. We were both standing and swaying awkwardly, hands in our pockets. "I'll have some breakfast ready, if you like."
    I gave him a smile. "Sure, sounds nice. And I'll have some more questions ready. We can discuss it over breakfast."
    "Sure, but maybe do your homework first."
    I rolled my eyes. "Why are you so hung up on that file? They only ever contain boring information about parents and schools and friends. It's never information I can use. I found you, now I find her. Easy."
    Adam shook his head and kicked a stray pebble down the sidewalk. "Whatever you say, Ari." He seemed upset by what I had said. I didn't get it.
    "Fine, I'll read it, I promise."
    "Yeah, well, once you do, maybe call or text me," he suggested.
    "Why?"
    "To let me know if you're still coming over."
    Now I shook my head, but in confusion. "Why wouldn't I come over? Are you like a serial killer or something?" I added the humour to lighten his mood.
    "You'll see, just read the damn file, Ari."
    "Fine, geez, I already said I would."
    "Okay, good...I'm gonna head home now."
    I suddenly felt anxious. I didn't want him to go, and I didn't want him to leave upset. But I said nothing to him, only nodded and gave a wave as I watched him walk down the street.

Chapter Nine
    I turned and ran up the front steps to the main door. Just as I fished my keys from my pocket, a yellow note appeared on the door in front of my face. My shoulders slumped and my stomach cringed. I knew exactly who it was from.
    Ari,
    Come home, I need to talk to you.
    -C
    I ripped the note down and crumpled it up before sticking it in my pocket. I didn't even get the keys turned in the lock before she showed up in a poof of gold sparkles next to me. The scent of roses was particularity potent today.
    "Hello, Ari."
    I turned with a sigh. "Hi, Mom."
    She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the old metal railing. Just like her two friends, her golden hair radiated, even in the dark, as it poured down to her waist. "Avoiding me?"
    I chewed my lip and plunked my butt down on the concrete step. "No, I just had a long day, is all."
    "A long day working on your new assignment?"
    I couldn't look her in the face. "Um, sure, let's go with that."
    "Ari," she replied with a disappointed tone and came to sit next to me. Her thin gold dress pooled around her feet. "You cannot get to close to this boy."
    I had to look at her then. "But, Mom, he's immortal. I have to be around him as much as possible, it's the only way I'll sense is soul mate. You know that."
    She gave me a curious look that quickly turned to realization. "You didn't read his file, did you?"
    I dropped my head onto my lap in frustration. "Oh my god, what is with everyone and that freakin' file?"
    My mother shook her head. "Oh, Ari..."
    "Is he dangerous or something? I don't get it."
    "No, not really. Well, I hope not, for your sake."
    "Can't I just give the file back? Ask for a new assignment?"
    She let her thoughtful gaze fall to the steps below us. "I wish it were that easy. But, I have no more control over the assignments than you do. It's the universe, sweetheart."
    Out of habit, I reached into my jacket and pulled out the cigarettes I stole from Adam's place. Then I realized that my mother was sitting right next to me.
    "Ari! I thought you said you were going to quit?"
    "Sorry, Mom, but this is a cigarette kind of moment. I'll wait until you're gone, at