The Skin Thief

Chapter 80

The next three weeks are a blur.

I didn't see Marcus for three days after our lunch together. I hate how much I missed him, often catching myself thinking about his laugh, his smile, or his smell.

On the fourth day, he called for my help with some translations. They were nothing major. Then, in the weeks that followed, we spent some sort of time together nearly every day, either working on translations or going out for some sort of casual meal.

He's also there during Mr Salt's many visits. Clarkie also joins. I don't even bother trying to place a listening device. Even with Marcus there, Clarkie watches me, his cloudy eyes unblinking.

Sometimes, I see him hanging around as I leave for my shift. I pretend not to notice him watching as I leave the building. He sulks in the shadows, his pale skin ghostly in the low light. Luckily, he hasn't followed me home. Yet. It is only a matter of time. I know what he's doing. He's gathering information about what route I take to the stations, what time I leave and who I'm leaving with. He's planning something and though I know deep down what it is he wants to do, I refuse to even think about it.

My phone buzzes beside me and I reach for it. It's a message from Marcus, who gave me his number a few weeks ago. I groan as I read it.

Mr Salt has arranged another meeting at the restaurant tonight. We'll be there at six.

Great, I reply.

I know. I would like to talk to you before then. Meet me for lunch again?

And suddenly my bad mood has lifted. I smile and reply quickly.

Excellent. I'll come to your office at midday, Marcus responds.

I put my phone down with a giggle and go to shower, using my favourite body washes and perfumes. Then, I dress in a fitted navy dress, pairing it with some black platform heels. A confident smile lights up my face as I look at my reflection in the mirror, admiring how the material sits over my curves.

When I go back to the second realm, I will really miss the fashion here. I sigh sadly and reach for my coat and handbag, then leave.

***

"You're looking very sharp this morning," Leo says as I walk in. I roll my eyes.

"I wear dresses like this every day," I scold him.

"Oh, I know. But I can smell that expensive perfume you're wearing, missy," he says, raising an eyebrow. I laugh and nudge him lightly.

"So, is Mr Mysterious and Dangerous coming to get you for one of your little lunch dates today?" he asks.

"It's not a date," I argue, taking off my coat and hanging it over the chair.

"Ha!" Leo shouts, "Keep telling yourself that."

I laugh and bite my lip subconsciously.

"I saw that," Leo laughs.

"Leave me alone," I pout.

"Ivy. You are the source of some of the juiciest gossip in this place. I mean, you're being picked up and taken to dinner by Marcus Kaiser. The Marcus Kaiser."

I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow at him.

"Oh come on, please, I'm your work bestie. Give me some details."

"What, so the rest of the fucking building knows by the end of the day? I don't think so Mr."

"I won't tell," he promises. Now it's my turn to laugh.