Chapter 118

It’s past seven, and I head upstairs to start getting ready for tonight, showering and pulling on a new dress. I am going red, in a slinky, loose and floaty number that is more summer than nightwear, but I am not in the mood for figure-hugging and sexy. I still feel weird and out of sorts, and I am doing everything in my power to not think about Feral. Jackson took care of it. It’s done, and I need to forget it as a nothing in my life. My bruised heart will heal, and it will only serve to help lock it up tight in its metal coffin once more. Every new scar hardens my resolve never to care again.

I cared too much for something that shouldn’t have mattered, and now I need to get over it.

I am not in the mood for playing seductive hostess tonight. I want people to leave me alone, so I can do my job without pandering to anyone or anything. I’m agitated and prickly all over and only trying to get through my day.

I jump when Alexi walks in the door, catching me straighten