Read Online Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo - Free Book Online Page B

the House of Romanov a minute longer than I had to, but Shar had a point. Demi clearly didn’t like us, but she was only a receptionist, or at best some sort of office manager. Still, the last thing we needed was anyone blocking access to Arkady. I dreaded seeing Demi, but at least I knew I could speak to her without sprouting more feathers. I would, however, have to control myself, especially around Jeremy.
    It was barely light when we left the apartment the next day; I wasn’t on the street this early for school.
    â€œIt’s not seven yet,” I said, pulling out my pocket watch. “Will the building even be open?”
    â€œRelax,” Shar said smoothly. It was overcast, but she wore pitch-black sunglasses to make sure no one could see her eyes. “There’s always twenty-four-seven security in big buildings like that. If we’re lucky, we’ll be the first ones in the office and we can poke around. Maybe we can even see what House of Romanov has planned for their fall collections. I read that they made some deals with a few different celebrities to—”
    I stopped walking. “So that’s what this is about? You want to get a leg up on the latest trends so you’re dragging us to the House of Decadence extra early to spy them out? Fantastic, Shar. Do you realize that by the end of the day I could sport a tail peacocks would envy? And let’s say I keep mum—how am I supposed to impress anyone, much less do a job?”
    Halting, Shar spun around, looking at me as if she was doing me a favor by answering me. “You didn’t need to talk too much yesterday and you made a good impression. Especially on Jeremy. You’re clever. You’ll adapt.”
    â€œI said my name—not too impressive. Now he probably thinks I have the mental capacity of an egg timer.”
    I’d resigned myself to the fact that I had no chance with Jeremy whatsoever. Even though Hades said I could talk to guys without enchanting them, I still had doubts. Before bed, I’d spent an hour scrolling through the various apps on the iPhone. Some were ridiculous and absolutely useless: Ancient Greek Pronunciation Guide and Are You Epicurious (food of the gods) and Odyssey Underworld Tours . But what Hades told us was all there, word for word, in an app called Sirenz—A Beginner’s Guide , which said: “Your looks and voice obey your intent. If you desire it, the Siren call will beckon .”
    I didn’t trust myself not to use the power by accident. Not that I would outright order Jeremy to like me; it was the intent of my feelings that might be dangerous. I just didn’t know, and I didn’t want to take the risk. Shar had to know I was at a disadvantage, and I’m sure she didn’t mind that one bit. I crossed my arms against my chest and glowered at her.
    She flashed her palm at my face. “Think what you want about my motives. At least I came up with a plan: get in early before there are too many people asking questions, and scope the place out. What have you done?”
    I brightened a bit and held up my bag, which I’d made from recycling an old pair of jeans.
    â€œYou brought your purse. Bravo, Meg.”
    â€œLook past the purse.” I picked up the metallic black cat fastened to one of the handles and shook it at her. The little bell inside it jingled.
    â€œOkay.” She looked at me like I was completely insane. “You have your purse, and you have a cat bell. Very smart, Meg. You’re totally prepared to face the day.”
    â€œIt’s an ancient Japanese talisman for good fortune,” I snapped, pushing the bag into her hands. She held the cat close to her face so she could see through her dark glasses.
    â€œYou’re supposed to be smart, and you believe in this kooky stuff? And aren’t black cats bad luck?” Shar flicked an annoyed glance at me. “Well, I think going into the office early will