The Agrista (Between the Lines Book 1) by Shannon Lamb Read Free Book Online Page A

like to go with you, more than anything , but…” Her palms grew slick with sweat as she peered into his deep blue eyes. Their unique slant brimmed with inquisition and sent shivers coursing through her body as she struggled to find her voice. “I can’t leave Amelia. She may be a handful, but she’s always been there for me when it really counts. I have responsibilities and obligations here.” She couldn’t believe her own words. She was going to abandon her one chance at an adventure for something she held in contempt: her ordinary life.
      “What kind of responsibilities are you referring to?”
      “Financial, for instance.” Marie elaborated at the sight of Alex’s blank expression. “You know, like money.”
      “Will this do?” Alex pulled a dark blue velvet pouch from a small vintage satchel and held it out to Marie.
      She hesitantly took the pouch and poured its contents into her hand, filling it with several precious gems. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, and several she didn’t even recognize. Her eyes widened in dizzying recognition and wonder.
      “Are these real?” she gasped.
      “I understand they’re valuable here. We have them in abundance in our world. They hold little value there. Will that do?”
      “Yup,” Marie yelped, unable to look away from the sparkling gems overflowing in her hand. After the initial shock wore off, she poured the contents back into the pouch and pulled the drawstring tight. Now I just have to figure out what to tell Amelia… “Wait here. I need to talk to my roommate before I leave, and I need to do it alone.”
      Marie walked out into the living room, but she didn’t see her menacing roommate sprawled out on the couch anymore. She noticed Amelia’s bedroom door open and peeked inside, but she wasn’t there either. She walked into the kitchen and scanned the room, noticing a note on the table.
      “ Needed a couple things from the store. Be back soon. Enjoy your time alone with lover boy! I’ll make sure to pick up some cond- ”
      Marie slammed the note down on the table and rolled her eyes. She grabbed the pen Amelia left by the note, flipped the piece of paper over and began scribbling on the back.
      “ I have to go away for a while. I don’t have time to explain. Please take care of Lunaroo until I get back. She’ll be terribly lonely. The stuff inside the pouch is for you and should make up for my absence and lack of explanation. Yes, it’s real. I promise to tell you everything when I get back. ”
      Amelia would be worried, confused, and above all, infuriated, but Marie would deal with that when she got back. She’d explain things better if she could, but she really didn’t know what to say. If she tried to tell Amelia the truth, she’d probably have her committed before she had the chance to get away. Marie was still having a hard time believing it herself.
      She went back into her room and saw Lunaroo lying on the bed behind Alex, desperately vying for his attention as he completely ignored her. She swept Lunaroo up in her arms and began smothering her with kisses. Silly as it may seem to some, saying goodbye to her beloved pet was the hardest part so far.
      “You be good, okay Lulu?” Marie sniffled, holding Lunaroo close to her face as she nuzzled into the crook of her neck. “Should I bring anything?” The second the words left her lips, she felt foolish. She was traveling to another world, not going to a potluck. “Don’t answer that. Let’s just get going, shall we?”
      Marie pressed her tongue to the roof of her mouth, willing herself not to cry as she set Lunaroo back down on the bed. Before she could linger, Alex walked out of the room and through the kitchen, forcing her to run to catch up. When they entered the backyard, his steps came to a sudden halt.
      “It’s dangerous where we’re going, and it’s absolutely imperative that we’re not seen. As long as you’re on my back, you’ll