Page 168 of This Life of Mine

A dangerous intrigue unfurls inside me, slow and deliberate, and before I can stop it, the corner of my mouth lifts into a smile.

“What’s that look for?” Alex asks.

I glare at the getup. “I think I want to see it.”

His brow furrows. “See what?”

“The full getup,” I say, nodding my head towards the gear.

His expression tightens. “Lina...”

“I want to see you in it.” I fold my arms, letting Alex know this is something I’m not joking about.

The room goes quiet. Now, for the first time, Alex looks genuinely uncomfortable.

“That’s not a good idea.”

“Why?” I ask, eyebrows raised.

His jaw flexes. “Because I don’t want you to be afraid of me.”

I stare at him. “Alex.”

“I’m serious,” he counters.

His eyes drift toward the mask. “You know me as Alex.” A grim smile touches his lips. “When that mask goes on, that’s not who I am.”

“Then who are you?” I ask.

His gaze lifts to mine. “The Wraith.”

I blink. “The Wraith?”

He nods.

“Is that like...your calling-card name? People know you asThe Wraith?”

“Yes.”

The tone of his voice sends a chill through me.

I study him for a moment. “Do you think you would hurt me?”

His eyebrows shoot upward. “What?”

“You make it seem like you flip a switch.” I gesture toward the gear.

“Like you become a different person. A Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde situation.”

Alex laughs. “No. Not like that.”

“Then explain it.”

His smile fades. “When that mask goes on, I become a man willing to step into dark places. Someone who prepares himself to cause pain to people who hurt good people.”

I hold his gaze. “Then I think we’re safe.”

Alex frowns.