Two for tragedy. Volume 1 - стр. 39

– Yes, it's a little expensive," I said hesitantly, not sure what he was smiling about.

– But it's not a happy place: there are hardly any streetlights.

– There are pros and cons to everything.

– And the road needs immediate repair.

– Maybe… But I don't care: I don't have private transport.

– That's all very well, but you can't live there," Cedric said in a calm tone.

– I've been renting a flat in this building for three years now," I insisted. – Why is that so hard for you to believe?

– Because it's a bank.

Oh, my God.

I didn't know what to say. I felt terribly ashamed. My cheeks flamed, and I covered my eyes with my palm so that I couldn't see Cedric: I thought he was angry or offended with me.

"I should have got caught like that! Now he will think me ungrateful!" – I thought with despair.

– You can't lie," I heard his voice.

– Cedric…" I took my palm away from my face.

– Are you so uncomfortable with my company? – There was mockery in Cedric's voice.

– It's not what you think! – I said quietly, feeling how fair his reproach was!

He grinned, but remained silent.

– I did not lie because I detest your society! I don't mind it at all. It's just… I thought you'd have a long walk back…

– Is that all?

– No… I also thought that you didn't want to accompany me… That you were doing it out of a sense of duty," I finished quietly.

– What makes you think that?

– We are almost strangers, and you don't need to see me off, even as a matter of courtesy. Gentlemanliness is out of fashion these days," I explained, dropping my gaze to the pavement.

– I never do anything out of obligation," Cedric said in a calm tone.

I looked up and looked at his face with concern.

– But I feel bad that you have to go back to the bridge," I said quietly. – It's a whole half hour…

– Do you think half an hour is a long time? – Cedric asked suddenly.

I could only shake my head no.

– How long would it take you to walk home? Honestly.

– Five minutes… Or six.

– Then I'll leave you here, and I'll walk back, so you don't think I'm seeing you off out of obligation.

– Thank you. Just please don't take what I said seriously," I asked.

– Good night, Viper. – Was his answer.

– Good night. Be careful.

Cedric smiled slightly and turned around and walked towards the bridge.

I hurried home. But suddenly a thought flashed through my mind, causing me to stop abruptly and turn around.

– Cedric! – I shouted, hoping he would hear me.

– Yes?" came his voice, and five seconds later his dark cloaked figure appeared. He came towards me.

– I'd like to ask-" I started, feeling extremely awkward.

– Ask," he interrupted me.

– How did you manage to catch up with me so quickly?

– You know that men walk faster than women, don't you? – Cedric answered the question with a question.

– Yes, but…" I blushed deeply: his explanation was so clear and natural that I immediately felt angry at my curiosity.

– I followed you almost immediately. At first I thought there was someone waiting for you nearby, some friend or boyfriend.

– That's very nice of you. But how did you realise there was no-one waiting for me?

– I thought it would be a good idea to make sure you were safe.

My face was burning with shame.

– It was a stupid and tactless question on my part. I'm sorry I kept you! – I blurted out.