Page 63 of Let Me Win You

“Is that why? Really?” I yelled, offended for Invi more than for myself. “Or is it the reasonyoutrapped me in here? You knew I liked Invi, and you snatched me from him. And now, you’re accusing him of the very same thing that you did yourself.”

“We are not the same,” he roared.

“In this case, you’re so fucking identical, you could be twins. Just because ‘everybody loves you,’ doesn’t really make you lovable, Gul. There is absolutely nothing about your actions that I like.”

We yelled and screamed at each other that evening, until a crowd gathered around us and I ran out of breath.

But the animosity between us hadn’t lasted long. I generally disliked prolonged confrontations, and Gul seemed to be too cheerful and lighthearted by nature to hold a grudge or to sulk for long. Eventually, we established a shaky truce between us. He cooked and entertained his party guests while I helped with cleaning and organizing.

“I’m tired.” I groaned from exhaustion, and he swept me into his arms.

His thick fur enveloped me like a cloud. The warmth of his shape and the strength of his arms made for a very comfortable hug. If only I didn’t miss the arms of someone else so badly.

“I really hate it when the party is over and all the fun stops,” Gul grumped.

“You know there is fun to be had after a party too.”

“Like what?” He leaned back, looking intrigued.

“Well, I like staying in and reading a book or watching a movie.”

He gave me an incredulous look. “On your own? Completely alone?”

“Yes. Or with a friend.”

“But what if all your friends leave before you even get a chance to get to know them?” He paused, as if struck by a realization, then a corner of his mouth lifted in a lopsided smile. “Except thatyou’renot going anywhere, my sweet dumpling. You’re staying right here for as long as your body lasts. Which would probably be a few decades still. I got so lucky with you. Do you want to watch a movie?” he offered with a renewed enthusiasm. “I’ll make us popcorn.”

I nodded, silently. His mention of the many decades that he meant to keep me in Purgatory plunged my heart back into misery.

During the party, I had tried to find an opportunity to escape. I figured that with so many people loitering around the house, I’d eventually get a chance to sneak out. But Gul remained vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on me all the time.

I’d learned from some of his party guests that Gul frequently left to get supplies from my old world. But during the several days that I’d spent at his house, he hadn’t left once. The food, drinks, and other party supplies never ran out. He possibly left while I was sleeping. Or maybe he had someone else to deliver things for him.

The sound of corn popping came from the kitchen. I eyed the open patio doors, calculating. If I made a run for it, would I manage to cross the field on my way to Invi’s house before Gul caught up with me? Distances were often deceiving in Purgatory, making it even harder to gauge.

“Nicole?” Gul poked his horned head through the opening to the kitchen. “How do you feel about garlic salt and avocado oil on your popcorn?”

With flapping of wings, a large bird suddenly flew through the open patio doors into the living room. It crashed into myshoulder at full speed, then dropped to the floor in a whirlwind of quacks and feathers.

“What the fuck!” Gul rushed to me. “Are you alright? Did it hurt you?”

“I…” I stared at the bird.

It was a duck. It sat on the floor with something that looked like a corner of a bundle peeking out from under its wing.

“What a stupid bird,” Gul muttered, irritated. “If it was alive, I’d think it had rabies.”

“Actually…Ouch.” I winced, moving my shoulder. “It feels sore. I may need some ice.”

“Be right back.” Gul rushed back to the kitchen. “Lay down on the couch and don’t move. I’ll take care of it.”

The moment he disappeared through the doorway, the duck straightened its wings and moved aside, revealing a small bundle.

I unwrapped the paper, which was a note, written in now well familiar handwriting.

“Drink the potion, it will take you home. Hold the duck in your arms when you drink it. The horologe is pre-set to take you back to the same time you left from. And always remember, I love you.”

Longing and tenderness spread through my chest at once, like an explosion. There was no signature this time. But I didn’t need it to know who it was from, even as he’d never told me he loved me before.

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