Tricking Loki by Marteeka Karland, Shara Azod Page B

pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck, a black hair net encasing the large knot.
    It took her a few minutes to dress, and she was still ahead of schedule. Checking her reflection in the mirror one last time, she sighed to find dark circles under her eyes. Even through her dark complexion, they were clearly visible. A testament to her depression this Christmas.
    Just as she was ready to leave, a sharp rapping sounded at her door. Who in the world could that be? She never got visitors. She sighed. Probably carolers. Though she used to find the holiday tradition soothing, now it just made her want to cry all the more.
    Snagging her coat, she figured she’d listen to them, wish them a Merry Christmas, and leave. But when she opened the door, all she saw was a tall, dark-haired stranger with golden skin and green eyes. Very out of place in this part of town.
    He wasn’t looking at her, but had his mouth open as if to speak. When she opened the door, his gaze flew to her and he closed his mouth, swallowed, then smiled. Dressed in an expensive looking overcoat, the man was immaculately groomed. Not a silky black lock out of place. Looking decidedly uncomfortable, he cleared his throat. Understandable, given his obvious wealth and the part of town he was in. And he definitely filled out that expensive looking coat. Maybe he was lost, because he certainly didn’t belong here.
    “I beg your pardon,” he said, his accent odd though not unpleasant, “but I believe I’ve been sent to escort you.”
    Rainey blinked. “Escort me...where?”
    Again, he cleared his throat. “To...your job?”
    She didn’t have time for this. “Look. Obviously you’re in the wrong place. If you give me an address, maybe I can help you. But I really need to go.” She pushed her way past the stranger and locked her door, pocketing her keys.
    “I’m sorry,” he said, not backing up or giving her much room to maneuver in the small hallway of her apartment. “Let me try again. I’ve been sent to take you to the dining room where the party will be catered tonight.” He offered her his arm. “May I?”
    “And you are?” She was sorry if she sounded rude, but if she was late, Mr. Grayson, the owner of Grayson Catering, would fire her in a New York minute.
    Again, he gave her that engaging grin. “Consider me your personal bodyguard for the evening.”
    “Oh, no.” She immediately backed up a step. He moved forward. “I don’t know who you are or what your agenda is, but you are not going anywhere near my job.”
    “I promise to be a good boy.” He pursed his lips as if pouting, like a little boy afraid a parent would deny him a treat. It was kinda cute, though Rainey would never admit it.
    “No. You could be a serial killer for all I know.”
    He raised his hands in a defensive gesture. “Not a serial killer,” he declared. “I swear. I’m only here to make sure you reach your destination safely and that you arrive back home in the same manner.”
    If she’d had a brain in her head, Rainey would have kicked him in the balls and run like hell. But there was something about this man that…intrigued her. Her normally standoffish attitude toward men in general simply didn’t apply here. She wanted to be in his presence. Maybe being dead broke was making her insane.
    With a sigh, she said, “Fine. Let’s go before I’m late.” She paused before continuing. “I suppose we should introduce ourselves. I mean, I can’t very well go off with a man whose name I don’t know.”
    The man opened his mouth, then shut it again, as if he didn’t want to impart his name. Rainey simply crossed her arms over her chest, waiting. Shaking his head slightly, he finally said, “Loki.”
    Unable to help herself, Rainey snorted. “I’m sorry,” she managed. “But seriously? Loki?”
    He waved a hand dismissively. “My parents are...unique.”
    “Yes, I imagine they are. I’m Rainey,” she said, extending her hand. Instead of shaking