Chapter 1: Introduction
The floor beneath me was practically crackling with electricity. It hummed just enough to be felt in my toes and made all the hairs on my arms stand at attention. It could have been worse, I reminded myself. The smell could have been far scarier than stainless steel, beakers, and a subtle hint of cleaning solution.
"Awesome lab, huh?" Emily asked as she walked nonchalantly through the maze of workbenches. Her voice was only a tad breathy.
"Yeah." My reply was short and strained.
My need to use the restroom was clawing its way through my usual ability to converse politely.
"John? Everything alright?" She'd turned on her heel to face me, her blue eyes boring into my soul. It was a bit jarring how much they seemed to see.
I considered lying but figured we were too far into this research partnership for such shenanigans. "I actually need to use the restroom pretty badly." I forced a chuckle as if that was the punchline to a joke.
My expression must have given me away, though, because Emily crossed the distance between us in a matter of strides. Her hand came to rest on my arm with a reassuring squeeze. "Of course, you do. Come on, I know where the bathrooms are."
I gave her a grateful nod, and she led me through the labyrinthine lab until we reached the staff bathrooms. She hovered in the doorway as I stepped inside, an amused smile playing at her lips.
I shot her a questioning look. "What now?"
"Well, I need to know that you're going to come back, you see." Her eyes were alight with mischief.
"So no, you have to hold it in for the time being" She continuted.
My eyes widened, and I opened my mouth to protest but before I could, she cut me off. "John, you aren't going anywhere, are you?" She held my gaze for a beat, then added, "Besides, I'm sure you can manage a little longer."
I cleared my throat, trying to shake off the unexpected rush of excitement her proposition had ignited in me. "Sure, Emily. I can hold it in." I couldn't help but sound a little disappointed, but she just gave me a wink.
"Fantastic.