Page 11 of All Hallows' Rage
“What do you mean?” All that did was make him squint and study me. “What?” I ignored his stare, favoring the drink instead.
“You want more—”
“Stop that,” I said, holding up a hand. “Fun is fun—it’sreallyfun. Yes, it was lackluster the last few times because of inconsistency and the way they treated Lane. It’s something I enjoy doing with you, but I’m not inquiring for selfish reasons. I want Lane to find her person. It’s not an easy path, you know? She deserves someone who cherishes her equally.”
He smiled before teasing, “Aimee’s bisexual, by the way.”
“Lay off it, wasn’t asking forcootiereasons,” I said, looking him up and down as I mocked him.
“I’m kidding.” His fingers touched under my chin before he tilted my lips to his. “You’re toosaccharinefor such selfish thoughts.”
“Lane’s words, not mine.”
“Because you are,” he affirmed, kissing me deeper. He tasted like bitter coffee, but it was so good on his tongue. “And every day, I recognize how amazing it is to be your partner and boyfriend.”
“Don’t drop me.”
“Never,” he promised, punctuating it with a kiss.
* * *
“Don’t fuck up this makeup,”Monroe warned, a lively little sprite with as much tenacity as Lane. It would stand to reason why those two were best friends. She swiped the brush over my face once more. Monroe was the theatrical makeup artist for the acrobatic team, and she was fucking talented.
“I’d never,” I promised with a touch of sarcasm before glancing to Matt. “But he might.”
“I’m definitely going to fuck up your makeup.” Matt looked me up and down, more serious than not.
“I’ll kill you both. I don’t care what you do during your haunts, but your performances are for my masterpieces.” Despite her threat, Matt leaned into me, vying for a kiss. He stopped short, screeching as Monroe’s fingers clamped down on his nipple.
“Fuck! Off limits, Roe. That hurt,” he whined, brushing his hand over his chest.
“Don’t play games with me! Not a single smudge.” Her fingers touched under our chins as she titled and angled our faces to her needs.
She picked up the pan of black paint again and swirled a medium-sized brush in it before dabbing it under my eye. Wisely, we sat in silence as she worked a final layer of powder onto our faces.
“I do believe my work is done here. Now, you’re beautiful.”
“Now?” Matt said, picking another fight with Lane’s evil twin.
I snickered but appeased his wounded ego. “You’re very beautiful, baby.” I patted his thigh, letting my hand linger.
“That one was for Lane,” she smarted before grabbing her kit and walking off. Matt stood abruptly.
“Where are you going?”
“To throw Lane in the pond under the Fright Flight coaster, duh.” I laughed because despite his words, he headed toward the dressing rooms.
“Apologize afterward at least!” I called after him. Over his shoulder, he mouthed, “Never,” before slipping into the men’s room.
CHAPTER5
Elijah
“Everyone better be accounted for!”Gretchen yelled as she walked through the crowd of performers. We were gathered in the halls for the opening event and normally wouldn’t be this cramped. The hallway had an opening that led down a corridor for the main entrance, and I leaned on one wall while Matt stood across from me on the other.
“Has she ever relaxed, just once?” he whispered across the space, folding his arms over his chest and settling in.
“Never,” I said, mirroring his stance. Matt looked me up and down, his gaze lingering on his favorite attributes. “Yes, pretty boy?”
