Fire And Ice

Chapter 38 - Recon and Non-Love

Natalia's P. O. V

Not long after we left the guards' scope of perception, I noted Kaesha's switch in scent, having probably dropped the spell. Soon after, we got back to the house. Once we crossed the porch, she engaged Timothy in a tirade of irritation, something he was all to happy to contribute to after being compliant for so long.

Choosing not to listen, I opened the folded paper in my hand.

'Mrs Burton wasn't joking about that whole 'attractive to males' thing.' Candy stated when I saw what I assumed was Robert's number hastily scribbled in a lower corner.

I made a sound of agreement. Then finally returned Hailey's gaze. She hastily looked away, before appearing to rethink it and look back at me.

She'd been curiously staring at me at random intervals for most of the outing. Sometimes, I felt like she was checking to make sure I was still present. Other times, like she was pondering something. Especially so for the latter on our way back, after receiving our passwords and such.

I gestured for her to follow me. We left the all too real, fake siblings bantering in the living room as we moved to my room.

Closing the door behind us while she sat on the chair, I raised a brow at her and settled on the bed.

"Hailey, you've been watching me all day."

She took a breath, fidgeting with her hair, "I didn't realise I was looking at you so much. I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable."

"Not really. What's on your mind?"

"I know it sounds stupid, but..." She started, averting her gaze, "it just felt like you sort of... disappeared, like, for anyone who wasn't paying attention to you. And when they did notice you, they seemed completely hypnotised. I know it sounds absolutely crazy, but it got me thinking about Trev and Greg on the way back, how they seem to think of you so much -when they aren't, y'know, being tricked into thinking of you as a kidnapper. And they took to you so quickly..."

She paused, shrugging, "I don't even know where I'm going with this, to be honest. I mean, you're so beautiful and chill so it could just be that. I'm right, it does sound crazy. Sorry for all this madness, Ari. For your sake, I hope the crazy doesn't come from our father's side."

I didn't know about the disappearing part, but I couldn't tell her about how my Syren side was responsible for the... transfixion...? Allure?

I didn't even know what to call it.

But I also didn't want to leave her believing she was crazy because of my secret heritage.

"You're not crazy, Hailey. I mean, I never noticed anyone take an interest in me before I left Lightwood, so maybe the better environment has me... radiating pheromones or something. Goddess knows, I could've used it."

She gave a half laugh, "Maybe that's it."

"Just trust keep trusting your instincts. You're not crazy, okay." I grinned, "Even if you are, I'm sure we both got it from the sperm donor."

She returned the grin with a snort.

"Now, I have a question of my own."

My grin widened as the look of apprehension crossed her face. Her eyes darted to the door.

"You're not going anywhere. Not till you tell me whatever you left out about what happened between you and Timothy last night."

Long silence. I didn't budge as she shifted uneasily. I watched her contemplate making a run for it several times and decide against it each time.