Page 171 of Nemesync
I kissed her softly, interrupting her. “Told you I would take care of you; let me do this.”
Miranda smiled, and told me, “You’re taking care of the one who always took care of others. It’s about time.”
“It’s long overdue.” I answered.
Zanae looked into my eyes and whispered, “Thank you.” She planted a soft, and lovely kiss on my cheek, sweetness and sadness lingering on my skin.
Zanae
Miranda handed me a bunch of clothes, saying, “Come on, Zee.”
I sighed and tried to fake a smile. “Miranda, I’m not really in the mood for shopping.”
She nudged me playfully. “Well, you’re not shopping, you’re treating yourself. And Elijah insisted, so consider it a royal decree. Plus he scares the shit out of me, so you’re going to follow me and have fun.”
I chuckled. “What do you mean by a royal decree?”
Ben chimed in, keeping his arm around my shoulders. “Niko’s words, not mine, not Miranda’s. But hey, I think we can find something that will bring a little joy to you, Z.”
“Can we go to the bookstore? I would love to buy new books.”
Ben looked at Miranda and quipped, “Is she for real?”
Miranda sighed. “Let’s go and spend three hours there. I hope you’re ready, you two big guys, to carry everything. Books are heavier than you think.”
The three of us, along with our bodyguard, ventured from clothes to books.
Noticing Ben engrossed in texting, I raised an eyebrow. “Who’s got your attention, Benny?”
Ben grinned mischievously. “Oh, just some hot chick.”
“Well, show me what you said.” I asked, smiling.
He chuckled. “Alright, you asked for it.” He showed me the text conversation, and I spotted Elijah’s name on the screen. Reading Ben’s message to Elijah, I couldn’t help but laugh.
Ben
No worries, babe, I have her protected.
“Protected, huh? From what exactly?” I muttered.
He then showed me the reply he received from Elijah.
My Pakhan
She doesn’t need your protection, she’s stronger than you, you little shit. And don’t fucking call me babe if you still want to use your hand.
Benny shook his head and whispered, “Cold and grumpy, he’s like an old man.”
Mycold and grumpy old man.
After a few more stops, we headed back home, and I felt a bit better than the night before.
Still overthinking, still hearing them trying to make the guilt grow more in me, but better, right?
Entering the penthouse, Ben and the other bodyguard lugged through a lot of shopping bags filled with clothes and books. Miranda and I followed them.
Elijah and Nikolai, already in the living room, glanced at the bags with raised eyebrows.
