Page 84 of Hidden
I glanced at him, fighting back a shiver. I had no idea what he was talking about.
Then, as he raised his eyebrow, I recalled his mission. Relief raced through me as warmth flooded my veins once again. The air in the room seemed to grow light, and I grabbed the sleeve of his white shirt, meeting his gaze. I was so grateful.
“Thank you.” He might not be so terrible after all. This might just work.
“It’s not a problem,” Bryce said gruffly, not moving from my grasp. “Though I’m not certain why you’d need it anymore, considering the arm-candy at your beck and call these days.”
The warm feeling vanished, and my hand dropped back to my side. “What do you mean?”
“I can’t imagine you sleep with it.” Bryce’s words were strange, but his expression was genuinely bewildered. He rubbed the back of his neck. “You’re not a child. If you find yourself needing comfort, there are other alternatives.”
Heat—a different sort now—washed over me, and my jaw locked. It took everything in me to not stomp on his feet. Only the knowledge it wouldn’t hurt him—since I had no shoes on, and he did—stopped me. “What I sleep with is none of your business.”
“What are you two talking about?” Titus materialized by my side—his body still warm from the fire—and I covered my face in preparation for my shame. This was exactly what I’d been trying to avoid. There was no way for my day to get worse.
Titus moved closer, but his focus remained on Bryce.
“What is Bianca taking to bed?” he asked. His question seemingly echoed through the room.
Silence followed, and everyone’s attention turned on us.
Now I really wanted to die.
“Bryce!” I hissed, glaring between my fingers at him. This was all his fault!
“I only asked you a question. You never told me what you wanted me to do with it!” Bryce frowned as he crossed his arms. He would no longer meet my eyes. “That pink monstrosity cannot stay in my room. It’s giving people the wrong idea. Brayden saw it on my bed and made fun of me this morning.”
How dare he blame his inability to be discreet on me! It wasn’t my fault he sucked at covert operations. “I never said you had to keep it on your bed! You’re the one who put it there, so maybe you secretly want it.”
“That thing is yours?” Brayden choked as his face paled. “Now I feel bad.”
“All right, just stop.” Miles stepped between us, shielding me from Bryce’s disdain. “Before the rest of us have heart attacks, can someone please explain what you’re talking about?”
I fought back a groan. Shame prickled at me, replacing my annoyance at Bryce. When I responded to Miles, I couldn’t even look at him. Instead, I studied my chewed fingernails. “I’m talking about my rabbit. I asked Bryce to get it for me from my dorm. It’s the only thing I wanted.”
There was a moment of silence before Bryce cleared his throat. “It just occurred to me, but it’s not quite how it sounds. I, too, was confused at first.”
I peeked up at Bryce as he spoke to the others.
“Confused about what?” I asked.
He ignored me. “She’s referring to a stuffed rabbit toy. It’s filthy and worn, and she should not be sleeping with it.”
“Don’t make fun of me!” Indignation hit me, and I glowered at him. “And don’t say it’s filthy. I wash it all the time. And just so you’re aware, I don’t even keep it in my bed! You know what? I regret asking for your help.”
“What is it?” Damen’s eyebrows were raised in question. “Why is that the only thing you sent Bryce to get from all of your possessions?”
I covered my hot face again. But, thankfully, I was saved from answering. Julian had pushed his way to my side and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “Does it matter why she wanted it?”
“No.” I could almost hear the frown in Damen’s voice. “I was just wondering.”
“Besides, that brings up a good point.” Julian’s hand squeezed my arm. “We should be headed out soon.”
“You’re ready to go shopping?” Bryce sighed, lowering his crossed arms. “I suppose I have no choice but to—”
“Julian.” I pulled at his shirt, interrupting Bryce. This was the perfect revenge. “Julian, when we go shopping, will you pay for me?”
His brow furrowed. “But I thought that—”
