I hid at my desk for the rest of the day, partly because I was embarrassed in myself for thinking that maybe Huxley wanted to talk to me and partly because I didn’t want to see his face. The fact that I have really known him for a few days and he is already messing with my head is so pathetic. I pulled myself out of my head by looking over the list of chemicals I needed for my trial. I crossed off the two that Nella gave me and marked a maybe next to another 2. I sent emails out to Carther and Brooks to see if they had what I needed. I knew they would be harder to convince so I sweetened the deal by agreeing to do all their grunt work for a few months. It was the least I could do for their help in forwarding my research. As I am about to pack up all my stuff to leave I hear Melvirn call me into his office. The last time this happened I was stuck driving for hours with Huxley. I walk into his office and close the door behind me. I am hesitant to walk too far into his office as the dream from last night comes flooding back to me. Liam's hands on my knees, my face, my-

“You take transit right?” I take a second to process the question, Melvirn is talking to me.

“Um yes, I do, why?” I’m slightly confused but also impressed that he knew I took transit.

“I’m not supposed to share this but you better sit down” Now I am panicking. I practically sprint forward to sit in the seat facing his desk.

“I was contacted by our local police station, last night on the subway there was an altercation with two passengers.” I didn’t see this on the news this morning.

“They kept it extremely classified because the witness said that the one who started it became something. They said it was like a parasite had taken over its body” Great so now I'm in a horror movie. Just what I need.

“The witness claimed that the attacker was twitching in his seat and all of a sudden went crazy, he said that his eyes were completely consumed by blackness and his face was deadly pale.” I go ice cold in my seat, it's like the dream I had of Huxley. This is getting too real.

“What would they come to you for? And why are you telling me this?” I had so many more questions but I thought I should start slowly.

“I am telling you this because I don't think you should be walking the streets alone this late especially not taking public transit. I have asked Liam to drive you home tonight and until this is settled we are going to assign you a lab car.” I think this is the worst and best thing Melvin has ever done for me.

The first part of his agreement sunk in, driving with Huxley? Uh uh, I don’t think so, I would rather risk it with the parasite. There is no way I can face him after the embarrassment of our earlier conversation.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“I don’t need-” I am cut off by Melvirn

“This is not a negotiation Raelyn, I already talked to your mother and she agrees. As for your second question, the police found a black sticky saliva-like substance on the subway and wanted us to put a team together to figure out what could have possibly caused the episode. I want you to work on the team.” Shut up! Melvirn wants me to work as an actual scientist.

Not as a coffee runner? I didn’t think he even thought of me as anything more than a receptionist. The win of the promotion almost dulled the burn of knowing I had to talk to Liam. I quickly thank Melvirn and head back to my desk. I almost jump when I see Huxley sitting in my chair reading the contents of my desk. I tried not to be petty I promise but when I got to my desk I couldn’t help but throw his words back at him.

“Is there something I can help you with? Huxley” I paused before saying his last name just to ensure he knew where I stood.

The office was mostly empty at this point so when he stood up to tower over me I let myself cower slightly. I saw those green eyes darken again as they met mine, he leaned in so he was right next to my ear and whispered.

“I thought I told you to call me Liam” he stood back up and started to walk away from me as he called out.

“Am I giving you a ride or what Anderson?” How is it possible for one person to be so hot and cold?

I didn’t have a choice so I turned around and begrudgingly followed him to the elevator. I quickly noted that he didn’t take the stairs like he usually does but instead went to the elevator. I couldn’t help thinking that it might have been for my sake. I quickly shook that thought out of my head as I stepped into the elevator with him. Thankfully we got to the parking garage with no unplanned stops this time. We got into his car and sat for the first 5 minutes in silence. I tried to speak a few times and thought it was better for me to keep my mouth shut. I didn’t want to start a conversation that I couldn't end. All of a sudden Huxley’s voice breaks the train of thought in my mind.

“I am going to Albany tomorrow to take a tour of the new equipment we will be implementing into our lab. Melvin was supposed to come but something came up.” The Subway.

“Come with me instead?” I freeze.

“I need another representative from LAB TECH and Melvin thinks we already make a great team” I don’t know what to say, first he was ignoring me and now he is asking me to go on another trip with him. Who is this man?

“They are providing hotels for the staff so we wouldn’t have to drive home at 3 am again” he almost sounded hopeful. Like he wanted me to say yes. I wouldn’t let myself give in too quickly so I responded with

“Ya because being in a car for 6 hours together went so well last time” I made a small laughing noise but stopped when I heard Huxley suck in a breath.

“Raelyn” he looks apologetic as he says my name. Why does he have to say my name, why does it sound so damn different?

“Liam?” my eyes went to his arms as I caught his hands tensing on the wheel. I never noticed his arms before, they were so nice, why would he ever cover them up with that damn lab coat. His right arm was covered in tattoos, from his wrist under his shirt sleeve. The only indicator that they went up further was the small patch of ink that peeked out from his collar.

“Erhm. like what you see?” my face went hot, I didn’t realize I had been staring.

“I um-” I tried to think of a quick response but Liam could see my panic so he just said.

“You owe me a meal, come tomorrow” I was all out of thought so all I could say was

“ok”