Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(95)

Merrick rubbed his hand over his jaw. “They are a constant thorn in the Directorate’s side, but I don’t believe they’d target you.”

“Not that I want to think about this, but was the bomb large enough to kill me?”

“On most doors, the bomb would’ve been strong enough to kill several people. Your grandfather’s resistance to change saved your life. That door was original to the house. It’s much thicker and heavier than most doors in modern homes.”

“Damn it.” Ferrin was right. Someone wanted her dead. She sniffled. If Zavien were here, she’d lay her head on his chest for comfort. Merrick would have to do. “I’m about thirty seconds away from crying. Could you give me a friend-type hug?”

He moved closer and placed an arm around her shoulders. “Of course.”

She leaned against him. His solid warmth was reassuring. “Thanks. I need a friend right now.”

Something touched her knee.

She glanced down and discovered what was left of her dragon necklace. The locket was flat in the middle and the wings bent up. It would never open.

“I think the protection charm is gone. I haven’t been nervous without the key.”

“It’s possible you drained this one.”

A lump came to Bryn’s throat. She lifted her head from his shoulder and picked up the locket. “Maybe Talia could order another one for me.”

“I found something which might make a suitable replacement.” Merrick pulled a small black velvet bag from his pocket.

Curious, she took the bag and dumped the contents onto her palm. A dragon with sapphire eyes and outstretched wings stared at her. Each scale on the dragon’s body was a separate ridge of gold and the veins of his wings were crafted from platinum. It was far more detailed than her original locket. The gold chain it hung from was thicker than the one from Talia’s store.

Something about this made her uneasy. “This is a gift from a friend, right?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you. It’s beautiful. Where’d you find it?”

“I called around. You’d be surprised how rare dragon lockets are.” He smirked. “Some people believe they’re in poor taste.”

“They’re wrong.”

The door from the hall opened, and Lillith poked her head in. “May we join you?”

“Come in.” Bryn held the dragon out. “Merrick found a replacement for my necklace.”

“Did he?” Lillith froze a few feet in the door. “You’re not dressed. Would you like us to come back later?”

Bryn checked the front of her pajamas. The dark stripes hid the fact that she wasn’t wearing a bra. “The last time we spoke I was wearing a sheet, so I think it’s all right for you to see me in pajamas.”

Lillith appeared at a loss for words.

Jaxon rubbed his hand down his face. “This is what I told you about, Mother. Most people know not to say such things. She just blurts them out.”

Bryn ignored him.

His mother smoothed the situation over. “Let me see your necklace.”

She held the dragon out for Lillith to inspect.

“It’s unusual.”

“It’s tacky,” Jaxon muttered.

“I like it.” Bryn secured the chain around her neck. Replacing one lost item made her wonder about her other possessions. “I hate to ask, but did either of our book bags survive the explosion?”

“My bag is singed, but intact,” Jaxon said. “I don’t remember seeing yours. Why don’t we go investigate? I’m tired of sitting around making useless small talk.”

Bryn stood. “Lead the way, Mr. Crabbypants.”

Merrick stifled a laugh. “Bryn, your grandmother will have a coronary if you leave the room in your current attire.”

“Fine.” She rolled her eyes. “Give me a minute to change.” The navy dress hung on the back of the bathroom door where she’d left it. Before she shut the door, she called out, “Could someone check to see if there are any shoes out there?”

Merrick handed her a pair of black slippers when she emerged from the bath. “This is the best I could do. Wait here while I check to see if we can access the library.”

“I’ll come with you.” Lillith stood and followed him toward the door. “I wanted to speak with you about a family matter.”

Ignoring the scowl on Jaxon’s face, Bryn joined him on the couch.

“Can’t you see what he’s doing?” Jaxon asked.

“Uhm…you lost me.”

“I’m talking about Merrick. He lied at dinner. He likes coconut cream pie.”

“So? He was being nice.”

Jaxon shook his head. “You can’t be this naive. He’s been hovering over you since the bomb went off. He bought you a replacement for your necklace.”

She didn’t like where this was going. “You’re wrong. Merrick and I discussed this. He’s just a friend. Nothing more.”

“You can’t be that naive. He’s setting himself up to be your benefactor. A benefactor you claim not to want.”

And now she remembered why she’d shot a fireball at Jaxon’s head. “You’re such a jerk.”

Merrick cleared his throat. “Did we miss something?”