Page 45 of Asphyxia
ChylerandIwanderedthe expansive store—everything bright and vibrant, just like her newest personality. She was still her strong and independent self, yet different—happier. Since the day I first met Chyler, I don’t think I ever saw her this effervescent.
Atlas’ love had changed something within her, and I was beyond grateful to see the spark I always dreamed she’d have—burning bright.
The store was divided into sections by color, and Chyler made a beeline for the creams and grays, similar shades to the ones inside my townhouse.
I lifted one of the price tags on an ornamental chaise lounge as I followed her down a row of sofas, and my jaw immediately dropped at the number listed in bold red print.
“Chy…” I whisper-hissed as I caught up to her side.
“Yes?” She sang in bliss as she inspected a stunning modular sectional, plopping down and sinking into the plush cushions to test it out.
“Want to tell me how you plan on affording any item in this store?” I gritted out through my teeth, glancing around to avoid contact with any of the store associates who might be lurking for an easy sale.
I hoped to god that she wasn’t considering stealing just to play house with Atlas—the fucking disaster that would be.
“Oh, I’m not buying any of this overpriced garbage. Atlas and I have enough furniture between our apartments to be more than comfortable for now.” Chyler beamed at me, sandwiching her hands between her thighs as she admired the upholstery of the couch.
“Umm…” I gave her a puzzled look. “So, why are we even here if you’re not furniture shopping?” I questioned, gesturing my hands out wide in annoyance.
“I needed an excuse to get you out of that apartment you’ve holed yourself up in these past few days,” Chyler sighed, patting the spot next to her as an indication for me to sit. I reluctantly sat down and pressed my shoulder against hers. “I know you haven’t been going to work… calling in sick and pretending everything is okay. You’re not okay, Mads…” Chyler murmured as she wrapped her arm around me and held me close.
“I don’t want to talk about—”
“And you don’t have to… Not unless you’re ready. But if you won’t open up to the two men pining over you—loving you. Then you need to at least open up to me. You can’t spend the rest of your life avoiding your feelings and emotions.”
“Like you?” I mocked, rolling my eyes at how the tables had turned between us.
“Exactly like me.” Chyler laughed, giving my bicep a gentle and loving squeeze. “If I—the cold-hearted, off-switch monster, could find love and acceptance within Atlas, you—the hopeless romantic, could find the same with Marcus and Dean. Jesus Christ, even Alexis found love, and that woman can be a goddamn menace when she wants to.”
I laughed at her words of encouragement, feeling a tear slide down my cheek as I dropped my head to rest on her shoulder.
“You’re right, Chy… for the first time ever, you are actually right.”
“You bet your pretty tight ass I am.” She smirked, pulling away from me, standing up from the couch, and holding her hand out as I wiped my tears with the heels of my palms. “Come on. Let’s go and get a treat. I’m craving sugar.” Chyler winked as I took her hand, and we exited the store, heading straight towards the Sugar Shack a block away.
Chapter 22
Marcus
Madisonhadlockedherselfin Dean’s bedroom for most of the evening, and up until an hour ago, we were both just chilling in front of the TV, giving her space before Dean randomly got up and prowled his ass away to check on her.
When she didn’t kick him out after the first five minutes of invading her alone time, I assumed she had finally relaxed from her eventful day with Chyler, which seemed to have put her in a slightly more sour mood than we initially expected.
Insistent knocking at the door caught my attention, and I hopped over the back of the couch to answer.
It was well past eleven, and neither Dean nor I ordered anything for delivery, so I wasn’t sure who would be out this late at night, much less at ourapartment.
Unlocking the deadbolt, I pulled the door open, and my eyes flared wide as I gawked at the one fucking person who shouldn’t be here regardless of the time.
“You’re not supposed to be here,Amber,” I mumbled, hoping I was the only one to hear the knocking in the first place.If Dean were to find out—
“Where is he?” She rushed out desperately, attempting to peer around me and into the apartment.
I blocked her as best I could, not wanting Amber to have any more access than she already had. Her stubborn ass could stay out in the hall for all I cared. She wasn’t coming inside.
“Not here.” I shrugged, my tone cool and casual as I tightened my grip on the door’s handle in case she decided to make a break for it.
“Bullshit. I saw his bikeandyour car outside; he has to be here—”
