*Emily*
I lean against the elevator door, trying to process what just happened. Who does he think he is? I'm mostly embarrassed by my own reaction. I'm also confused about what to tell my colleagues who, no doubt, were watching us on the surveillance. At least there is no sound, but I know they will ask me what happened.
I take a couple of deep breaths, needing to get a hold of myself before going back to the surveillance room. I don't want them to see how much he affects me.
Opening the door, I walk in with a big smile on my face, trying to sound casual. "Hi again."
Both men turn around to stare at me, their eyes wide and mouths open. I had hoped against hope that they had been preoccupied. Ignoring their expressions, I head for my corner and the book I was reading.
"What did he want from you?" one of them asks, watching me curiously. "It looked like a cozy conversation. We didn't know if we should send in reinforcements, but you didn't hit your panic button."
I shrug. "There was no reason for panic. He just wanted to talk. I think he is starting to get bored down there." I walk briskly to my chair and bury myself in my book, but I can't help reading the same line over and over. I can feel their eyes on me for quite some time. It's a relief when my shift finally ends.
As a member of the Lycan law enforcement in their high-security jail facility, my job is always intense. But even though I love my work, it's nice to have some time to enjoy the sun and fresh air outside. Spending a lot of time in the bunker is a bit depressing. So fresh air is something I don't get a lot of while at work. Today, I'm especially grateful for the chance to clear my head after my encounter with the enigmatic Loki.
2 days later
After two days of work, the weird encounter with Loki has almost faded from my mind, and I am telling myself I Was just being silly. Tonight, I'm on the night shift, which means no visits to his cell unless he calls for me, something he hasn't done even once. I make myself comfortable in the surveillance room with my book and a cup of tea, anticipating a quiet and uneventful night.
The day shift guard reported that everything has been normal, with no word from Loki. However, I have barely read a few pages when I hear an unfamiliar sound. Confused, I look up. One of the guards turns around, equally bewildered. "I think someone is trying to reach you."
I glance at the surveillance feed and see Loki standing in the middle of his cell, staring intently into the camera. He has called for me. "I better go see what he wants."
A sense of unease washes over me as I enter the elevator. Could he possibly know I'm on shift tonight? I walk slowly into the cell, where Loki stands in the middle of the room, rocking back and forth on his bare feet. His long arms are folded behind his back, and a crafty smirk graces his face. "Welcome back, Lady Emily."
"Hi, Loki. Is there anything I can do for you?" I ask, doing my best to maintain eye contact without getting lost in his gaze.
His voice drawls as he replies, "Oh, I could think of several things you could do for me." He winks at me, his mouth twisting into a lopsided grin. I feel my face heat up. Is Loki really flirting with me?
Silence follows, and he shrugs, turns slowly, and walks away with the grace of a large cat. He flops down on the couch. "I couldn't sleep and I'm bored. Entertain me."
"Well, I'm not allowed to sleep either and I'm kind of bored too. So, want to talk?" I suggest, pulling over a chair and sitting down with my arms resting on the chair's back.
Loki's expression turns serious as he leans forward, his long legs spread wide, and asks, "Tell me about yourself." He appears genuinely interested in what I have to say.
I hesitate, wondering how much to share. He seems so charming now, but just three months ago, he tried to take over the entire Washington area. What harm could my life story do, though? I begin, "Well, there isn't much to tell. I'm 26 years old and have worked with the Lycan law enforcement for five years. I would love to do field work, to make a real difference in the world."
He listens intently and replies, "So young, so lovely, so naive. Are you from New York? No, you must be from somewhere small and idyllic." He straightens up but keeps his eyes on me.
Embarrassed, I feel my face heat up again. Did he just call me lovely? Sure, he called me naive too, but lovely? "I grew up in a small town in Idaho."
His eyes light up and he claps his hands gleefully, looking as pleased as a child on Christmas morning for guessing correctly. For the next half hour, he inquires about my life and work. I answer as best I can without revealing anything that could be used against me. Our conversation covers topics like my childhood, favorite hobbies, and aspirations for the future.
His sudden interest in me is surprising, but boredom must be taking its toll on him. The days must feel endless, trapped alone in his cell. Eventually, Loki stretches his long body and yawns, then says in a velvety voice, "And now it's time for me to bid my lady goodnight."
"Goodnight, Loki. Sleep well." I rise from the chair and offer him a genuine smile before exiting the cell. As I walk away, I can't help but ponder the unexpected and intimate conversation we just had.