Page 16 of Their Offering

“You’re so fucking weird.” I smiled as I walked around the building, heading back to the car.

“And you’re a fucking asshole,” Katie mumbled as she followed me.

After a quick stop at my house for a more party-appropriate outfit, we made our way to Katie’s house to get ready. The entire time, she rambled on about how her whole life felt upside down now that she knew Hell really did exist, and that it had princes too. I didn’t indulge in her conversation. Somehow, I’d always known Hell was real, since I knew I belonged there. Now, I belonged to its princes too. So why did they leave?

Chapter 8

Lillian

Austin must’ve seen Katie’s car pull up, because he met us halfway to the bonfire, which was already blazing.

“Just the girl I was hoping to see.” He was already a little buzzed, and I got a whiff of the alcohol on his breath as he slung his arm around my shoulders. “I’m so glad you made it, Lilly.” He looked at Katie. “Matthew’s already here, and he was asking about you.”

Katie’s eyes lit up, and she silently pleaded with me to let her go. She was obsessed with Matthew and had been for years. Everyone knew it, probably even Matthew himself. She had mentioned wanting to finally tell him how she felt tonight if she could work up the nerve.

I smiled. “Go find him. You got this.”

“You’re sure?” Her eyes darted to Austin before returning to mine.

“I’m sure. Make tonight the night. Go get him.” I winked at her and canted my head toward the bonfire.

She nodded excitedly and hurried off. Hopefully, my staying with Austin would be worth it if she told Matthew she liked him. I’d never understood not telling someone how you felt about them, but no guy had ever made me feel that strongly, so I was no expert.

“Did I do something, Lilly?” Austin stopped and grabbed my arm, bringing me to a halt.

“What? No. What do you mean?” I knew exactly what he meant, and I had been dreading this conversation. I knew I should have followed Katie.

Austin had been after me for years, but I’d always brushed him off and said I wasn’t looking for a relationship. Finally, a few months ago, when I was drunk and horny, I slept with him. Afterward, I was very clear it was just sex, and he pretended to be okay with it.

I knew I should’ve ended it there, but Austin was good in bed. We’d fucked a couple of times a week since then, but I’d been avoiding him lately. He made things super weird when he looked at me post-sex and told me he was falling for me.

We were both breathless and sweaty after our typical Friday ‘blowing off some steam’ session. I was on my back next to him, his fingers trailing along my inner arm, which kind of tickled.

“Lilly, look…” He paused, seeming nervous.

I turned to look at him, a satisfied smile on my face. “What is it?”

He shook his head, returning to tickling my arm.

I sat up on my elbow and looked at him, my eyebrows knitting together. “Seriously, Austin, what is it? You can tell me.” I poked his side, earning me a chuckle and a poke back.

“You’ll hate me,” he muttered.

Now I wasreallycurious. “I would never hate you, Austin. Just tell me. Is it serious? Do you have an STD or something?”

“No!” He looked at me like I’d just accused him of murdering his mother, his entire face twisting. “I just… I know you said this was just sex, but…” He stopped and looked into my eyes.

Oh shit.

“I think I’m falling in love with you, Lilly.” His cheeks lifted with his lips as a goofy grin accompanied his confession.

All I could do was stare at him. I didn’t say a word as I got dressed, and he cursed repeatedly, apologizing and saying he was just caught up in the moment.

I couldn’t get out of his house fast enough, and I hadn’t responded to his many,manytexts since.

“I just feel like you’ve been avoiding me. It’s been a whole week since we’ve even talked, let alone….” He reached out to touch my face, but I pulled back. Hurt painted his face immediately.Shit.

“Look, I’m sorry. I just…I thought I made it very clear it wasjustsex, but I don’t think you’re okay with that. We should stop this before––”

---