Page 93 of Twisted Gift

“There is still much work to be done,” she says once it’s just our small group left. “The Experiment remains a very real and dangerous threat to our people. Since Tristan stepped down, I’ve taken the reins when it comes to meeting with our contacts around the globe. I spoke to several of them last night who have located facilities they believe are run by The Experiment.”

My chest tightens. “What’s the plan?”

“They’re gathering more information right now. We aren’t going to make a move yet. It’s too risky.”

“So we’re going to sit around and wait?”

Tristan shifts closer to me, wrapping his arm around my waist and tucking me against his side. “We fought our fight, sweetheart. It’s time to let others help.”

I look up at him, my eyes traveling across his face, drinking in the sight of him. Alive. Safe.Human.“Okay,” I whisper.

“Well, now that we’ve got that business out of the way, why don’t we whip out the champagne?” Allison chimes in with a grin. “We might still be at war, but we also have plenty to celebrate.”

I wave her off. “I already had a glass today.” I realize my mistake once it’s too late.

“You drank champagne at lunch?” she asks.

I look away. “Well...”

Tristan chuckles. “What are you hiding?” he murmurs, his lips brushing my ear.

“I, uh, sort of found my dress?”

His face lights up. “You did?” When I nod, he dips his face and captures my lips with his, kissing me.

I giggle when he pulls back. “I’m sorry. I know we haven’t set a date yet, but my mom begged me to check out this bridal store today, and it sort of just happened.”

“Are you happy?” he asks, holding my gaze.

I nod.

“Then don’t apologize.” He kisses my forehead.

Allison squeals, clapping her hands together. “Ohhh, I need to see this dress! I’ll forgive you for dress shopping without me as long as I get to pick out my own maid of honor gown.” She jerks her thumb at Tristan. “And he’s paying for it.”

I shake my head at her borderline obnoxious display but grin all the same. I steal a quick glance at Tristan, who nods, grinning himself. “Deal,” I say, turning back to Allison. “You can come with me to pick it up tomorrow.”

“Excellent,” she beams.

Skylar rolls her eyes at the whole thing, but I smile when I see her standing with Nikolai’s arm draped around her shoulders, looking rather comfortable.

Once Allison settles down, the six of us head upstairs to the penthouse for a much needed drink.

“Does this mean we get to start wedding planning?” Allison asks.

I shrug. “I don’t know, Al. Now doesn’t exactly seem like a great time.”

Tristan slips his fingers through mine. “I want to marry you just as soon as you’ll have me, sweetheart. Anytime is a perfect time.”

“But I thought—”

“Fuck it,” he says with a little smirk. “Let’s do what’s going to make us happy.”

“Yay!” Allison cheers. “This is awesome. How soon are you thinking?”

“Considering I thought this was a far off thing, I really have no idea.”

“Maybe you should give her some time to enjoy being engaged?” Nikolai suggests.

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