Read Darkest Misery for Free Online Page B

could be delayed for a few hours while I got some sleep.”
    Around us, the lobby was slowly starting to return to normal, though the non-Gryphon guards who monitored the security checkpoints continued to watch us with uneasy expressions. Tom glanced over his shoulder toward the elevators. On the flight, he’d sprouted dark circles under his eyes. If I were him, I’d be thinking about my own bed.
    But I wasn’t. Because Tom was dedicated, and I apparently wasn’t taking things seriously enough.
    â€œYou should continue your training today,” he said. Then, with a pointed look at Lucen, he added, “And we need to discuss getting you a security detail.”
    â€œWhat?” I demanded.
    â€œGiven what happened to you and Johnson, we can’t be too careful. I know you’ll refuse protective custody, and I don’t think it’s a good idea for you anyway, but a couple Gryphons to serve as guards at all times would be wise.”
    â€œNo.” I shook my head violently. “I don’t want babysitters.”
    Lucen cleared his throat. “Actually, Jess, much as it pains me, I agree with the Gryphon on this one. You should have some protection, but our people will provide it.”
    I poked him in the chest. Hard. “No, they will not. I can take care of myself.” Spinning around to Tom, I stuck my hands on my hips. “If you want to help me concentrate on my training, don’t sic babysitters on me. Send them to my family and maybe to Steph. I can’t think straight if I’m worrying about their safety.”
    â€œThat’s not really—”
    â€œI don’t care if it’s protocol or whatever. I do not need babysitters.” I glared at both the men. “But I do need sleep. I’ll be no good at training if I don’t get some, and you should get some too. You look like crap.”
    To my surprise, Tom sighed. Then he yawned, and maybe that was his deciding factor. “Fine. Check in with me this evening.”
    â€œOf course. I hope you’ll have an update on Mitch by then.”
    He nodded grimly. “So do I. But, Jess, a word first?”
    Tom walked away without waiting for an answer and flashed his badge at security. I started to follow, but Lucen grabbed my arm. The fierce set of his jaw was one part protective, one part rage. No question which emotion was aimed at which person.
    â€œI’ll be right back.” I gave his hand a squeeze.
    Scowling, he let me go.
    Tom had stopped by the lobby’s centerpiece—a massive reproduction of Michelangelo’s Triumph , which depicted magically gifted humans fighting a bunch of furies and satyrs. I neither loathed nor loved classical art, but I despised that painting, and I purposely strode by Tom so I could keep my back to it while he got in his last word.
    â€œYes?”
    Tom’s face filled with disapproval. “Really?”
    â€œHe’s a friend. An old friend. I don’t need your judgmental attitude.”
    â€œMy attitude stems from concern for you.”
    Sure it did. At best, it was concern for the Gryphons’ alleged ultimate warrior. Not the same thing. “He’s saved my life a couple times.”
    â€œFor purely selfless motives, I’m sure.”
    I closed my eyes, too weary to match sarcasm with sarcasm. I simply wanted to go home. I wanted to crawl in bed and wrap my legs around Lucen’s naked body. Not deal with lectures from a baby-faced, annoyingly righteous Gryphon who didn’t understand the first thing about me.
    â€œDoes it matter? Look, he can’t hurt me. There’s a reason I’m your weapon.”
    Tom bit his lip, seeming to debate something internally. “Leaving the threat he poses to you out of it, it’s still a question of loyalty and appearances. Other members of the Brotherhood should be arriving in Boston tomorrow. If you want them to treat you as an equal and not like the lab