Page 82 of Reflections of Peonies
“I-I didn’t hide that much,” I protested. Even though I too was surprised with the current conversation. With Julian’s presence surrounding me, it was difficult to feel the anxiety that would normally leave me speechless. He was probably doing something, but I’d ask him later.
This was more important. I didn’t understand why this girl felt familiar or why I couldn’t get her voice out of my head. “Why don’t I remember seeing you?” I asked her. “Did you stalk me?”
Her mouth twisted, but it was Bryce who responded. “Kayla doesn’t stalkanyone. She’s too proper.”
“She doesn’t,” Julian agreed. “Instead, shelurksand lies by omission.”
“Lurks?” A flicker of annoyance crossed her expression, and Kayla glared at him. “Are you for real?”
“Regardless, I have plans today,” Julian continued, gently squeezing my arm. “And I’m not going to let you lot upset them.”
Yes, shopping. Shouldn’t we be nearly finished at this point? I’d already changed into one of my new outfits, purchased on loan from the man beside me. And Julian and Bryce both had some bags that they’d placed on the floor for this conversation.
This didn’t include the items Julian had sentto Damen’s house, as if people existed to do his—or our—bidding.
And again, I was reminded of how out of touch I was with this world.
I was pulled out of my spiraling spiel of self-pity when I noticed Bryce frowning at a ring display.
This reminded me of another slight I’d suffered.
“Hey, you—” I pointed at him, and he looked at me as I ordered, “Stay.”
His frown deepened as his eyebrow rose. How dare he look confused.
“You can catch up to us later,” I told him, hugging Julian’s arm. “I want to be alone with Julian.”
This would be the perfect opportunity for him to perform his husbandly duties. Lord only knew that he’d been terrible at them thus far. “I wear a size five,” I added.
“You want to be alone with me?” Julian asked, and the corner of his mouth lifted.
I grabbed the front of his shirt, pulling the fabric until he lowered his face near mine. “I want my ring.”
“Ah.” Julian blinked in understanding, and his grin faded. “Jewelry. And shoes. So you do have weaknesses.”
“This has nothing to do with weaknesses,” I informed him, growling. “Bryce and I have a legally binding agreement. He is supposed to offer me a public declaration of his love! That’s how a marriage is supposed to work! This isn’t complicated. I’m a simple creature with simple needs.”
“You’re not even married for real. Besides, does he even know what you’re expecting?” Julian asked, raising his eyes to my fake husband.
Bryce might not be able to hear us, but he seemed to know we were discussing him. In response to our attention turning to him, he bristled slightly, trying to look innocent.
Lies, all of it.
“He knows,” I told Julian. Bryce was more intelligent than he appeared. I, begrudgingly, would admit to that.
“Of course, darling.” Julian nodded, his lips pursed.
“Wow, Maria wasn’t kidding,” Kayla cut in. “Julian, you’re not helping. You can’t just agree with everything she says.” She moved out from behind the counter, hand outstretched toward Hanah.
“What did Maria say?” My face heated—had I done something to her? I thought we were friends.
“I said I’d stay out of this, but I just can’t. You need some serious girl time,” she said, snatching my phone from Hanah’s hands. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Can’t let Maria run the show—she’d probably get you drunk just for fun.”
“Why would it be fun?” I asked. Kayla’s words had taken on a sense of foreboding. I’d known public drunkenness was a rite of passage, but still… There was nothing humorous about throwing up on a bender.
She was typing now and responded without pause. “It wouldn’t be. Someone has got to be the sane one.”
“That’s not nice.” Hanah frowned. “Besides, you’re a bit crazy yourself.”
