Page 32 of Twisted
But I’m not in love.
“That’s fair,” Nina agrees quietly.From the jewelry store we go to a salon, where I get a massage, my nails done, and then get my hair washed, cut, blown out and styled.Again, sur-fucking-real.I’ve painted my nails more times than I can count, and I’ve bought press-ons before from Target.
But I’ve never had long, elegant nails like I do now.I couldn’t grip my dagger with nails like this, and I accidentally poke myself in the face twice.It’ll take me a good day or two to get used to these, I’m sure.
We stop at some bougie boutique so I can pick up a dress that Xavier specifically wants me to wear tonight.I cringe as the owner goes into the back to get it, assuming whatever he picked out is going to be awful.It’ll either be too revealing or make me look like one of his many Mormon housewives, I'm sure.
So I’m shocked when I try on the dress and am pleasantly surprised.Stepping back, I run my hands down my sides as I look at my reflection in the large mirror in the dressing room.The dress is light blue, reminding me a bit of Cinderella.It’s mid-length, with a halter style top and a deep neckline that shows off the little bit of cleavage I have.The dress fits perfectly, making me look feminine and soft.
“Who are you?”I whisper to my reflection before twirling.As a hunter, I’ve played many roles to get into places I need to be.The Order hired us to infiltrate a charity gala a few years ago, and Leo and I both dressed up in black tie apparel.I wore heels and even borrowed an expensive diamond necklace from the Order’s archives so I’d even look the part.
Yet this…this still feels different.
I try on several pairs of shoes before deciding on a pair of white heels.They’re simple, yet probably still cost half of a month’s rent at any average apartment in the area.Keeping the fancy clothes on, we go back to the house so I can wait for Xavier to come back or be done with whatever he’s doing.
Still in heels, I hurry upstairs and into my room, stashing the candles under my pillow just seconds before the bedroom door opens.
“You clean up nicely.”
I spin around, this time recognizing Devon’s aura.
“Same to you,” I say and cock an eyebrow.He’s wearing black dress pants and a black dress shirt that’s tucked in.My eyes linger for a second too long on the gold buckle of his belt.I blink and tear my eyes away, telling myself I didn’t notice his half-rolled sleeves or the dark stubble that covers his strong jaw.“Are you coming with me?”
“No,” he says with a chuckle.“I’m just a lowly human.”
“So am I.”
“Nah, you’re on a higher level.”He says it as a joke, but something tells me he really believes that.Probably because his so-called family has drilled it into his head.“I will be eventually.”
“You really want to become a vampire?”
He shrugs.“What other alternative do I have?”
I widen my eyes and slowly shake my head.“Umm…live your life.You were raised as a fancy, well-educated trust-fund kid.You could go anywhere.Unless you’re not allowed?”
“Oh, I could leave.They’d wipe my memory and give me enough money to get me set up and then…” He shrugs again.“It’s not so bad, really.”
“Sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself, not me.”
His eyes meet mine and it’s like I’m looking into a mirror.Because I can feel the emptiness and longing inside of him.The desperation to belong and be a part of the family.
“Let’s not talk about why you’re still here then,” he presses.“You’re a witch and can’t be held spellbound and I know you snuck herbs from the kitchen.”He takes a step into the room.“Even Xavier finds it curious you haven’t tried to escape.But I know.”
“What do you know?”I ask, fighting to keep my voice steady.
“You’re smart and resourceful and could find your way.But you feel like you have nowhere to go because you have no one to go to.”
I clench my jaw, hating that his words brought on a sudden surge of emotion.Because he’s right, dammit.
“I won’t tell anyone about the herbs,” he goes on and comes closer, flinching a bit when he moves his shoulder.
“Oh shit, how’s the, uh, wound?”
“Okay.”
“That doesn’t sound too convincing,” I say, raising an eyebrow.“Let me look.”Getting to my feet, I wait as Devon crosses the room.He goes to roll up his sleeve but realizes it won’t go up high enough.He unbuttons his shirt and something about watching his fingers undo each button does something to me.
Get it together, Wren.I’m married to his brother.
