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.
