Page 83 of Hexed
He laughs and takes it from me, slipping the cell back in his pocket and winking at Venesa. “Oh yeah, sure thing, boss. It’s already gone. Deleted. Eeee-rased.”
“Go back and warm the car up.”
He tips an imaginary hat and then bows to Venesa dramatically before spinning around and heading back to the car.
“Let’s go on the Sea Wheel before we leave,” Venesa says.
She waves her hand behind her to theverytall andextremelyold Atlantic Cove Ferris Wheel.
My stomach drops to the floor. “I thought you didn’t like the tourist shit,” I force out through the panic trying to overtake my body.
Christ, get it the fuck together.
“I’ve changed my mind. I like watchingyoudo tourist shit,” Venesa replies.
Sweat beads at my temples, my hands growing clammy. “I’m kind of tired.”
Her brows draw in, and she looks at the giant death trap and then back at me. “Are you okay?”
I don’t know what to say to her, so I hesitate, trying to come up with a solid reason before I have to admit the thought of getting on that thing makes me want to die.
“Oh, is this something you wanted to do with Aria?” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, embarrassment flooding her cheeks, making them a rosy pink. “Of course you do. I didn’t even think?—”
“No, that’s not it,” I cut her off. Her thinking I’d rather be here with anyone else bothers me more than the thought of this stupid wheel does or the thought that itshouldbe Aria I’m here with.
She stares at me. “Are you…scared?”
I grit my teeth, irritation at her calling me out stabbing at my spine like glass shards. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“You are, aren’t you?” A slow grin spreads across her face. “Is it the height or the ride that freaks you out?”
“I’mnotscared,” I reiterate.
“It’s okay, you know?” She reaches out, her hand hovering over my arm like she wants to offer comfort, but then she jerks it back at the last second.
Probably for the best if we don’t touch each other again anyway.
“What’s okay?” I try to come across as nonchalant, but I’m sure I’m failing miserably.
“To behuman, Enzo.” She shrugs. “Everyone’s got their thing.”
“Yeah, well, this isnotmy ‘thing.’”
She laughs. “I think you’re scared, and that’s fine. We don’t have to do it.”
“I’mnot. Don’t you listen? How many times do I gotta say it?Christ.”
“Fine.” She frowns. “You don’t have to be such a dick about it.”
“And you don’t have to be so goddamn bossy. Always telling me what to do.”
Her smile grows, and she mimics my accent. “Big, bad gangsta afraid of a Ferris wheel. Who knew?”
My mouth twitches, and a little of the anxiety evaporates like water in the sun.
“Would you shut up?” I try to sound like I’m angry, but my words come out with a slight chuckle. “It’s fine. I’m fine. Let’s just get on the stupid thing.”
I move to stand in line, my gaze flicking to the people in front of us slipping into the open death trap.
