Page 94 of Cruel Destinies

Julian’s soul-crushing smile played in my head, and I wished I could be there when he opened everything. I’d only seen that smile a handful of times, but I was aiming to make it a permanent fixture.

The familiar building loomed ahead, and I slowed a pace or two, scanning for signs of Julian’s handsome face—or anyonewho might know him. Not that I knew what his Initiate looked like, but I figured the girl must be gorgeous. Right?

A perfectly primped brunette sauntered past, and I marked her as a potential. Or maybe the doe-eyed blonde clutching her fancy coat against the wicked chill.

I gave up as she reached the door. Really, the Initiate could be anyone. And it wasn’t like I could do anything about it, even if I did know. Besides, Julian had made it clear that, even if he didn’t quite want to be with me, he was at least obsessed with me. Initiate Bitch had nothing on me.

I pulled my knit cap down a little lower and fluffed up my scarf as I walked into the warm lobby. A peppermint scent invaded my nostrils, the song coming over the speakers fading away as Jingle Bells took its place. Dishes clanked in the quiet dining room, and I wondered if they were closing or getting ready for an evening crowd.

I made my way to the concierge, who looked like he was packing up for the day. “Excuse me,” I said in the sweetest voice I could muster.

The concierge turned to regard me with an annoyed expression. “Can I help you?”

“I’m sorry. I have a gift for a friend, and I don’t know how to get it to him without ruining the surprise. He lives in apartment 823?” I gave him a hopeful smile, and he sighed.

“Give it to me. I’ll get it to him before I leave.”

“Thank you! So much. Oh, here.” I dug in my bag, pulling out a Snickers bar I’d stashed in case I needed a snack on the return trip. “For your trouble. Merry Christmas?”

The concierge took the candy bar with a shrug and a nod.

I left, humming the rest of the Jingle Bells tune.

It was incredible how quiet the city seemed. Next week would likely be even quieter as families gathered around Christmas trees and exchanged presents. But today’s lull was a little eerie. I wondered how Julian would be celebrating, and hoped Arya and Ashlyn were having a nice time. I hated that I was still on the outside of all their excitement. But it wouldn’t be forever. I’d make sure of that.

The wind blew my scarf into my face, and I unzipped my coat to stuff the errant cloth in.

But I crashed into someone before I could begin, a liquid warmth seeping through my white sweater. Looking down, I saw coffee soaking into my shirt, droplets clinging to the fuzz on my scarf.

“What the hell? Watch where you’re—” The words stuck in my throat as I met the mischievous smirk of Adam. “What are you doing here?”

“Out for a walk. What areyoudoing here?” he asked, taking a step closer.

“Ruining sweaters, apparently.” I sighed, wiping at the stain on my shirt, but gave up when my efforts only served to spread the liquid further.

“Yeah, sorry about that,” Adam said, sounding anything but sorry. He picked up his emptied cup and tossed it into a nearby trash can. “Let me buy you a new one.”

“What?” I asked, unsure I heard him right and still quite annoyed.

He shrugged. “I ruined your sweater. It’s only right I get you another one.”

I frowned, contemplating the time. I’d told Gram I’d be back before dark, but I’d also told her that I was going to visit Arya. Maybe another hour or two wouldn’t hurt anything, and I could still get home before dark.

“Fine,” I said, lifting my chin. “But you owe me two shirts.”

Adam’s brows rose. “Two?”

“Yep. This one was from my aunt and I really liked it.” I met his gaze, challenging him to deny me.

He smirked. “I’d better make it three.”

I matched his smirk. “That’s more like it. Now come on, I have a tight curfew.”

This guy was weird, but who was I to refuse if Christmas wanted to come early this year?

Chapter 31

Ashlyn

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