Page 73 of Reflections of Peonies
“I think you’re really strong,” I said, petting his arm. My thoughts scattered as I tried to make this better. “You’re really hot, too. But you’re also sweet. So I could never be scared of you.”
The redness had completely covered Miles’s face, and he stared at the floor. “Thanks.”
Thanks?
That’s his response? I had poured out my most horrifying inner thoughts and everything. Where did his response even leave me? It wasn’t like I could say, ‘You’re welcome.’
“Um.” I touched my fingers together, turning to Julian as I silently pleaded for help.
I was terrible at human interaction.
Julian rolled his eyes at Miles, turning back to me. “All right, do you want to head down now?”
“Yeah,” I told him. “Let’s—” My sentence dropped as the blood rushed from my head, and my body betrayed me as I swayed.
“Bianca!” Miles was the first to reach me and wrapped his arm around my waist before I could fall to the floor. “Are you okay?” he asked, picking me up and resting me on the bed.
“Just dizzy for a minute,” I said, touching my forehead. “It’s gone now.”
Julian was in front of me, touching my shoulders, as he tsked. “You should take it easy,” he said.
“What’s wrong?” Miles slid beside me. “Is it not healing? Do you need me to do anything? Does she need to see arealdoctor?”
Julian shot Miles an even look.
“It’s fine,” he said. “Relax. Maybe you should rest another day before heading out.”
“N-no!” I protested. “I’m fine now. I want to go.” Before I could lose my nerve. It was difficult enough to wrap my head around the idea that Bryce and I sharedmarital funds.
“Are you sure?” Julian asked, brushing the hair away from my face. “I’ll order you clothes online. Just show me, and I’ll give you anything you want.”
I looked at him, “T-thanks, but no thanks. I have things I need to get at the store.”
“Then let me come too,” Julian said.
“You don’t mind?” I sat up and grabbed his hand. This would be so much better—now I wouldn’t be alone with Bryce. His serene presence was sure to offset Bryce’s annoying one.
“Of course not,” Julian replied. “I’ll always be with you.”
Miles coughed as he watched Julian with a raised brow. “You’re as predictable as always,” he said.
Julian glanced at Miles, mouth turning down, but his voice was smooth as he responded. “I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about.”
“You know,”Miles said as the three of us moved through the hallways. “You don’t need to take Bryce with you. I can come with the two of you instead. Plans change. No one is going to care.”
“Do you want to come with us?” I asked, blinking at him. Why didn’t he say so earlier?
“He can’t,” Julian cut in. “Damen has him working on something today.”
Miles pouted.
“Besides, Bryce would care,” Julian pointed out. “He’s been looking forward to this.”
“But Bianca isn’t concerned about Bryce’s feelings,” Miles said.
Why did they have to say it like that? I wasn’t a terrible person. It wasn’t my life’s goal to hurt Bryce.
Besides, I was obligated to do this. I owed him. He was helping me by pretending to be my husband. How could I deny him a measly shopping trip?
