Falter by Haven Cage Read Free Book Online Page B

like I couldn’t breathe. My ridiculous, inexplicable need to be close to this stranger was, once again, denied.
    Uneasy emotions clouded my thoughts. I needed a break. I placed the spray bottle and rag in my hand on the lower shelf of the hostess desk then jogged down the hall and into the kitchen.  
    Layla was leaning casually against the shiny, silver counter behind her. Her long, lean legs crossed out in front of her, begging for attention. Gavyn rested a hip against the island in the center of the room. His muscular arms crossed over his chest as he spoke to Layla in a professional tone about the café’s inventory.  
    “Hey, will you cover me for a few minutes?” I interrupted, touching Layla’s elbow to catch her attention.
    “Sure, hon. Are you ok? You look a little pale,” she asked, straightening from her relaxed position. Concern pinched her sleek brows together.
    “I’m fine, just need a minute. Thanks,” I called over my shoulder and rushed toward the back door.  
    A stinging breeze blew over my skin as I shoved the door open, but I welcomed it. My head was swimming.  
    What a mysterious attraction to have for a man I’ve only seen twice. So powerful.
    Something moved at the end of the alley, catching my attention. A silhouette leaned against the building too far away to make out a face. It didn’t seem threatening, but I kept my guard up, just in case.
    I stared down at my feet and tried to clear my head. I inhaled the cool, thick city air. A few deeper, lung-filling breaths and I could return to reality; I could forget him.
    “Open your eyes!” an urgent whisper commanded me.
    My eyes darted around the alley. I was alone. Even the figure at the end of the alley was gone. Dread amplified my muddled emotions.
    Gulping a lump of fear, I spoke. “Hello? Is someone there?” Nothing but the whir of a swift breeze answered back. “There is no one here, Nevaeh,” I scolded myself.
    The door opened behind me. George’s head peeked around the edge. “Are you ok? I heard you talkin’ when I went by. Thought maybe you needed some protection.” He laughed, holding up his arm and flexing to make a not-so-big muscle.
    “George, I’m going crazy,” I whimpered. “Something’s happening. I think I need to see a doctor.” My face tightened in fear, and my voice trembled.  
    The lines in his expression shifted into a more serious demeanor. “Nev, what are you saying?”
    “Last night, when I yelled at you, I experienced something. I’m not sure what, but I heard things that might not have been there. There were strange noises…and honey, George. It smelled like honey in a bathroom with no honey. And something touched me, but I couldn’t see it.” The pitch in my voice rose to a surprising new octave as I told George about the night before. I glanced down at my aching fingers and found a handful of George’s shirt clutched in my fist. I was using him as my anchor to stay afloat.
    George’s brow creased, baffled by my confession, but he let me ramble on.
    “A minute ago, someone whispered the same words I heard last night.” I waited for him to answer, to tell me he knew exactly what was causing the hallucinations and how to fix it.
    “It’s because of all the change, Nevaeh,” he assured, failing in his attempt to quiet my alarm.
    “I don’t know, George. There might be something off in my brain—from the accident.” Tears breached the lower lids of my eyes.
    He wiped my cheeks with his sleeve and held my face in his hands. “Let’s tell Gavyn and see what he says. Maybe he knows someone who can help.”  
    I nodded in reluctant agreement. George grabbed my arm and gently pulled me into the building.  
    Keeping composed while we walked through the kitchen was harder than I thought. I stared at George’s heels, hoping the others wouldn’t notice me crying. They rushed by us, too busy to pay attention—all except Layla.
    “What’s goin’ on guys?” she asked in a worried,