Page 39 of Painted Scars
Me: No lullaby unless you’re a good girl. Sleep well, Glitter Bomb.
The ache in my chest doesn’t want to let her go yet.
Kate: Going to dream of you, Grumpy Daddy. Sleep Tight.
She sets her phone on the nightstand and rolls over in her covers. I will her to pick it up and keep typing.
A missed notification from Grayson waits at the top of the screen. An update. I can’t afford to let my guard down and miss something important.
One thing is clear from tonight. Kate’s got her Book Boyfriend fantasy.
And me? I’ve got a problem I can’t walk away from. I’ve emerged from the shadows to protect her. Promised my friends to play nice and extract what I can that’s useful to our mission. Agreed to a black wedding and stalker fantasies. The jury’s out on what else I’ll do.
Whatever happens, I’m in deep. Losing my grip. And it’s only the beginning. Kate Williams wants a villain who will burn the world down for her, and the terrifying thing is, I want to be him.
CHAPTER 11 - KATE
Pamper date with Charlie time. I’ve got so much to tell her. She’s going to drop her nail file and demand a glass of wine before I finish Chapter One of my story. And I can’t wait to get to the good part about my stalker.
Charlie opens the door and eyes my sequined tank top. “You look so cute! Disco inferno, baby!”
Loud in my wardrobe isn’t just for fashion, it serves a deeper purpose. Mimic bright, bold, and dangerous frogs in the jungle. To a predator, they look like food, but the frog’s poisonous skin says otherwise. If I shine hard enough, maybe the predators think twice. At least that’s the goal. Burt didn’t take the hint last night, but he’s as stupid as they come. Luckily my grumpy stalker speaks fluent red flags. But how long can I count on him to stay and protect me?
I twirl for effect and my flowy skirt spins. “Better than the purple pixie cut I rocked in sophomore year?”
“Yeah, and your heavy winged eyeliner phase.” Charlie giggles and tugs me inside, closing the door.
I take her hand and let her lead me down the hall to the lounge to get started. “I can’t believe I thought Tyler from myMedia Law class was my soulmate because he liked vampire books.”
“Oh, God. I’ll never forget him playing bongo drums until 2AM on weekends.” She places an Uber Eats order for pizza, and I crack the lid on the pinot and pour our first glasses.
I pull the hem, my smile fading. “That phase in my life was to defy conformity. This is survival instinct. To look like something that bites when cornered.”
“Ah.” Charlie understands more than I’ve said. “Let’s unpack that wardrobe trauma.”
Our at-home spa ritual begins with cleansing and exfoliating our faces before applying the green clay masks. Then we moisturize, leaving me feeling so fresh and fab, I can’t stop touching my dewy, soft, glowing skin. Settled on her sofa, we breeze through the weather, the latest neighborhood or work drama, and weird things on the news. Once the pizza arrives, it’s time to dive into the good stuff. Secrets, scandals, and way too much wine.
“Come and look at my new wig prototypes for next season.” Charlie’s eyes brighten as she slides a box out from under her coffee table and pops the lid.
I set my wine glass down and huddle closer. “Yes! Show me what you’ve been working on.”
Her mouth curves into an uncertain smile as she cradles two wigs. “What do you think?”
“Oh, Charlie. These are next level!” I comb my fingers through the silky blue piece. “This screams Winter Fae or Mermaid Princess.”
Her laugh is shy. She fusses with the strands. “Stop it. You’ll make me blush.”
Praise was used as a tool of her narcissistic mother’s control. Poor Charlie is unsure if my compliment is kindness or attached to strings.
“This is main character energy!” I lift the second, the loose rose gold waves giving off otherworldly vibes.
“Try them on.” Charlie motions.
We walk to the hallway mirror, where she helps me wind my hair and slip the cap on. The weight settles so light that I barely feel it. The cascades of hair frame my round face and bring out my green eyes.
“I feel like a star queen in this.” I twist it back and forth, admiring how incredible I look in it. “Look at the way it shimmers under the light!”
Charlie’s mouth twists into a humble smile when she should be bragging about her talent.
