Unconsciously, Darcy tensed, even as her mind raced to uncover an excuse he'd accept.

"Uh, I don't think she'd appreciate some random dude showing up. No offense or anything, but she doesn't know you." She gestured towards the living room with her chin, absently fiddling with her keys.

She could make a run for it, but Leita had long legs, and would probably catch her before she could make it out the door. Slipping out a window wasn't an option unless a broken leg was on her short list of things she really wanted to experience. Damn, how could it be so hard to sneak out of her own damn flat?

She should have waited. It was her own damn fault.

Deceit never sat well with her. Darcy simply wasn't the type to lie, not like this. Her pulse beat rapidly against her skin, adrenaline coursing through her limbs, coaxing her into movement when she needed stealth. A voice in her head sneered that her lies were paper thin, transparent.

Surely Leita would believe her, right?

"I won't be gone long."