Page 22 of Midnight Wedding

“There was an open door.” She says it like that explains everything.

“You really are a curious fucking mouse.”

“I can’t help myself. I got arrested one time because of it.”

“What’d you do?”

“Trespassing. I was doing a little urban exploring?—”

“Exploring?”

“You know, abandoned buildings and stuff.” She seems to relax slightly as she starts talking faster. “I was really into it before my mom got sick, but getting arrested kind of soured it, and then Mom’s diagnosis, and now I guess I just don’t have time. I miss it though, you know? Going places you’re not supposed to go. Seeing things most people never get to see.”

“Beautiful abandoned warehouses. Must be lots of fun.”

“You’d be surprised. There are tons of forums and subreddits devoted to urban exploring.”

“What happened to the arrest?”

“Judge let me off with a warning.” She looks down at her feet. “I’m not a bad person, you know.”

I don’t know why, but I find that very fucking funny. I laugh softly and she looks up, gaze slightly hurt as I come around the counter.

“I didn’t think you were.”

“What’s so funny then?”

“I’m a bad person, little thief. I’m a very bad person.” She pales slightly. Fuck, she’s so delicate. Thick, auburn hair, full lips, a splash of freckles across her cheeks. A body I’d fucking kill for.

A body I might have to kill.

“You could’ve hurt me when you caught me in here last time, but you didn’t.”

“No, I didn’t. This is a different situation.”

“I promise I’m not going to talk. Really, I have no reason to.”

I let out a long breath. “You have no idea who I am, do you?”

She shakes her head. “Not even a guess.” But there’s a look on her face.

“You want to know, don’t you?”

“No. I mean, it doesn’t matter.”

“It’s that curiosity thing again, isn’t it?”

“No. No!” She twitches slightly and looks away. “I can control it.”

I look up at the ceiling. This fucking girl. It’s like shewantsto die.

“I’m in a bad position here. I don’t know if I can trust you. My instincts tell me to put a bullet in your head and make sure there’s no possible chance you’ll be a problem.”

“Please,” she whispers, blinking back tears. Her lower lip trembles. “My mom needs me right now.”

“I don’t want to do that,” I admit, not sure why the fuck I’m saying it out loud.

She meets my gaze and wipes her face. Her nose is a little snotty and it’s weirdly cute. She’s got a small stud piercing through her right nostril; I hadn’t even noticed until now.

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