Page 44 of Claimed by the Fallen
Annie’s eyes widen like Preston’s had. “Oh…”
“Yep. What a coincidence, right?” I don’t look to see Gabe’s reaction. I just pray he goes along with what Isay.
“Totally,” Annie nods her head, rebounding from her initial surprise. “Are you from Valley Lake,Gabe?”
“Just visiting,” Gabe’s deep voice vibrates through the air, raising goosebumps on myarm.
“Well, welcome to Valley Lake,” she smilescharmingly.
“Thank you.” This time, I do turn and look at Gabe. He’s returning Annie’ssmile.
“I’m actually here to take Veronica home,” Gabe continues. “Her parents are concerned with her being out at a party with no adultsupervision.”
It takes every ounce of strength to not whirl around and object to Gabe’s statement. What does he think he’sdoing?
“You know Ronnie’sparents?”
“I’m acquainted with them,” Gabe says the lie so effortlessly, even I’m inclined to believe him despite knowing his words arefalse.
Fortunately, Annie believeshim.
“Well, you’re here now,” Annie says flirtatiously. “Don’t you count as an adult?” I see her check Gabe out, and I can’t ignore the uncomfortable twist I feel in my chest. I shift sideways. Now, I can see both of them as they continuespeaking.
“Fair point,” Gabe surprises me bysaying.
“Excellent,” Anniebeams.
Then, both Gabe and Annie look at me. I fidget under their scrutiny. “What?”
“Nothing,” Gabe returns. “Enjoy the party. I’ll stick around for a bit. Then, we really should go.” There is a warning glint in his eye. The scouting demon really spookedhim.
Annie grabs my hand and nods, agreeing with Gabe’s demand. “You got it. We’ll just catch up with some friends and then we’ll be right back.” She pulls me away before Gabe can say anythingelse.
We’re climbing the last steps toward the second floor when Annie stops and turns to face me. She’s leaning over me from the top step, and I look back at her with raised eyebrows. “What?”
“Don’t you dare ‘what’ me, Veronica Messenger,” she hisses. “What is going on withyou?”
“Nothing.” I don’t sound nearly as believable as Gabehad.
Annie narrows her gaze. “I know you, Ronnie. And I know something is going on. What aren’t you tellingme?”
“Nothing,” I repeat. My wide eyes implore her to believe me. “Really, it’s nothing. I’m just as confused by all this as you.” I’m being honest. Iamconfused by the insanity my life has taken. I hate lying about why the angels are in my life, but I don’t have achoice.
“Excuse me... Oh, hey, Annie. Hey, Veronica.” Preston appears on the landing behind Annie. He had nearly tripped as he tried to walk down the stairs, but he backtracked when he realized we were in his way. He looks behind me, and I have the thought he is searching for Gabe. When he doesn’t see the angel, his shouldersrelax.
I paste on a faux smile. “Hey,Preston.”
Annie presses her back against the wall and says, “Hi.” She’s unconcerned with concealing ourargument.
Preston shuffles his feet and runs a hand through his hair. I think he is about to excuse himself, but I’m surprised when he says, “Annie, think I can get a second with Veronica? I want to ask hersomething.”
My friend perks up. “Sure. Absolutely. I’ll see you downstairs, Ronnie.” She peers at me from the side of her eye, a silent promise that our conversation is not over, before walking down thestairs.
I ignore her insinuating look and face Preston. I maintain my forced smile and ask, “You wanted to ask me something?” I’m too distracted knowing Gabe is standing downstairs to think anything of the oddrequest.
Again, Preston brushes his hair back. I’m observant enough to realize he seems nervous when he says, “Yeah. I was wondering if you wanted to go outsometime?”
I swear I misheard him. I blink and shake my head. “I’m sorry…what?”
