A Strange Coin (Three Trinities Haven Church)

[Ezekiel]

Zeke watched her work through it, curious in his observation. He could see nothing of the process, of course; just the expressions on her face as she plumbed the depths of her mind for her own answers. Admittedly he wasn’t actually interested in those answers himself – he didn’t care how she came to her epiphany, just that she did. But listening created an intimacy, as sharing truth was always wont to do between two people. Right now, Zeke was the only one in existence who knew what Tatyana was going through. The only one who cared enough to sit and listen.

His expression only flickered briefly when she plucked the joint from between his fingers, and he did not retaliate despite the storm he momentarily felt shift in his own chest. Shivers against his skin preceded the act, and he was aware she was simply exploring the magic he had encouraged her to find. There was no intention behind it, and certainly no provocation. But he did not appreciate the method. “Don’t do that again,” he said. The words were not sharp, they were velvety and firm – a reminder of who Zeke was. A boundary set. She would not use that power on him.

He sat up to accept the joint back after her drag, all smiles and charm returned, like he simply expected her to accept the force of his will. A surrender to her new gift was also a surrender to him, which was only natural. He wasn’t angry. “There’s a club I want to take you to. I think you’ll like it.”