Page 13 of Deadly Night
I snort. “Nothing like tattoos and a criminal record to put people in a giving mood.”
He shakes his head but doesn’t comment further.
We haul the tree to the lady’s vehicle, bungee it to the roof, and watch them drive off. As soon as the car’s out of sight, Jace sighs and lights a cigarette, hands trembling just enough for me to notice.
I lean against our truck. “Thought you quit?”
“Nah,” he admits, exhaling hard. “Might start drinking if this night gets any worse.”
I don’t say anything. I know what’s on his mind. Our father’s health and the pressure to continue traditions that are dying out.
Everyone orders faux pre-lit trees these days.
We used to have cars lined up for the chance to come cut down the perfect tree. Now we’d be lucky to give them away.
“That why you don’t want to ask her out?” Jace motions toward the booths.
I see what he’s talking about, and my blood boils.
Hadley is walking around with Nick.
“Something like that.” I light up a cigarette and pretend I don’t give a fuck.
Jace knows better, but he’s smart enough not to poke at this wound.
I’ve had the hots for Hadley since we were kids.
She’s always been mine.
“Dude is a fucking tool.”
He’s a dead man, that’s what he is.
I watch Hadley from the shadows as she watches Nick walk away. Nick is even worse than Tony. I take my eyes off her for a few minutes, and she’s got another suitor. Damn her and that fucking elf costume.
I pull out my phone and type out a text.
Unknown:Having fun?
Hadley pulls out her phone and reads the message. She twirls around, studying the last of the festivalgoers. She’s looking for me. She won’t find me. Not unless I want her to. I have other business to attend to but couldn’t resist toying with my heart’s desire.
Her fingers fly across her phone. She types out a response, and I know what she’s doing. Hoping that once she hits send that my phone will buzz and alert her to my location.
Hadley:Sounds like you already know the answer to your question.
She stands utterly still, watching and listening. Disappointment fills her expression when she can’t figure out where I am.
Unknown:When I catch you, you’re mine, little elf.
Hadley:If you catch me.
I grin to myself, tucking my phone back in my pocket, leaving her on read. She stomps back to the booth where Sydney waits, and I go in the opposite direction. I’m going to find that asshole Nick.
I disappear further into the dark alley, axe in hand.
My boots crunch on the ground as the slush refreezes as the temperature drops. I find him easily enough. He’s helping his sister load toy donations into the back of her SUV. The two of them make me sick. They put on a good act. Pretending that they give a fuck about anyone. They’re as fake as fake comes.
“Oh my God. Did you see her boobs? She was practically throwing herself at you. Can you say desperate?”
