Page 186 of Glass Jawed

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Tucked discreetly into her left palm.

She thinks I missed it.

I didn’t.

I nearly had a heart attack when I saw it. But then everything unfolded and I couldn’t say a word.

Tomorrow, though. She’ll know.

Her eyes flutter closed, and I lean down to kiss her lids. One. Then the other.

When she’s fast asleep, I quietly clean the bed as much as I can. Loosely wrap her hands with a handkerchief so she doesn’t scratch herself with the jagged bits of dried henna.

Then I climb in beside her.

And for the first time in forever... I drift into a dreamless sleep.

Because all my dreams?

Just happened in real life.

FORTY-SIX

Lucian

She thinks I was asleep.

I wasn’t.

I felt her lips on mine when she woke up, soft and lingering, like she didn’t want to wake me—but couldn’t resist. I stayed still, pretending, just tosavorit.

Then she was gone. Showered. Dressed. Out the door.

Fuck. It’s the wedding day. And Islept in.

By the time I drag myself out of bed and check the time, it’s almost noon. I throw on clothes and head to the main hall of the bride’s house. Sure enough, a ceremony is already underway.

Ishika’s perched on the couch, beaming at her mom while a crowd of aunties surrounds her in full festive chaos. On the floor near her, Kashvi and Rohi are giggling like schoolgirls.

And Rohi—God, Rohi.She looks ethereal in her salwar suit.

But whendoesn’tshe?

I slip onto a nearby couch, where a few uncles are murmuring and laughing. Raj Uncle’s nowhere in sight, but I know he’ll track me down soon. It’s going to be a packed day.

Rohi and Kashvi haven’t noticed me yet. But Ishika catches my eye and gives me a little nod. I smile back.

Two seconds later, both Rohi and Kashvi’s heads snap in my direction.

One is bright-eyed and beaming like she just won a game show.

The other is glaring like I just ran over her dog.

The weird part? It’sRohiwith the scowl.

Before I can even form a question, Kashvi lets out a shriek.

“LUCIFER!”

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