Page 58 of Whispers of Wisteria

She narrowed her eyes at a table of three across the way and tossed back her drink.

“You—” I began, shuffling in my seat and lowering my gaze to my cappuccino. “You don’t need to do this.”

She shot me a strange look. “Do what?”

“This,” I explained, gesturing between us.

Maria glanced at another table of two, but responded, “This what? Sitting with you?”

“Y-yeah,” I began, shoulders hunching. “I know Titus made you—”

“Youneedto stop,” she said, touching her head. “It’s fine to be sensitive; I can roll with that. But you’re stressing yourself out for no reason.”

“But—” I started.

“Titus can’t tell me to do anything I don’t want to do,” she interrupted, gaze steady on mine. “I want to be with you. We’re friends.”

My heart skipped at her words. “Friends?”

Maria crossed her arms as she answered. “Well, duh.” She leaned closer. “Do you think I’d skip work for any other reason?”

“But…” That didn’t make sense. She’d been so annoyed. “You yelled at Titus and called him a butt.”

“Oh.” She leaned back and shrugged. “That’s because he could have just toldme he was with you.” She stroked her chin. “But then again, I should have known. Only youor Taken are important enough to keep him out of the office.”

What was Taken?

I didn’t want to ask… yet. There was something else first.

“But…” I bit my lip. “You’re always yelling at him for skipping…”

“He hates meetings.” Maria waved her hand dismissively. “Hatesthem. He’ll find any reason to hide.”

I gripped my skirt. It made sense. I couldn’t see him being happy discussing budgets all day.

Now…

“What do you mean… Taken?”

Maria’s expression morphed into one of sheer joy, and her eyes lit up.

“Being abducted! He’s gotten kidnapped loads of times—on purpose,” she answered. Then her grin faltered, and she took a low breath at my questioning stare. “Bianca, his work isdangerous. He’ll accept the risks that no one else will, and his skills are in high demand, even from those with no connection to our world. That’s how he’s gotten so successful.”

“How can you be kidnapped on purpose?” My pulse raced.

“Undercover work,” Maria mused. “He never tells me when he does these things. That’s why I get so upset when he disappears.”

“Because he might die?” My voice was smaller than I wanted, but it was a difficult question to ask.

“No,” she clarified. “It’s a chance to cut loose and rip people to pieces.”

“And it’s dangerous both physically and legally?” I leaned forward. “That’s why you get worried?”

“I’m not worried.” Maria slammed her fist down, and I jumped back as my coffee splashed over the edge of my mug. “I’m mad! How dare he do all the fun stuff without me? It’s been ages since I’ve killed some degenerates.”

Oh.

That made sense. Maria was a lioness, and very energetic. And I, too, understood the feeling of just wanting to punch something. It could be very gratifying.