Page 32 of Welcome to Carnage

“And say what?”

He shrugs. “Say you stayed at a friend’s house.”

I answer the call. “Hey.”

Pierce breathes a sigh of relief on the other end. “Where the hell are you? Did you even come home last night? When I got up, your bed was still made.”

“I stayed over at a friend’s place.” I keep it brief, hoping he doesn’t pry.

“Right, when are you getting back? I need a greasy burger and fries.”

I shake my head. “It’s nine o’clock in the morning, Pierce.”

“And your point is?”

I sigh. “I’ll be back later. I’ve got some shopping to do.”

“Fine,” he replies, still sounding a little drunk. “I’ll just wallow here alone with fucking stale bread. Can you at least do a grocery shop run? We’ve got nothing to eat.”

“Sure, I’ll go in on my way home. See you later.” I end the call.

“He didn’t ask who you were with?” Nyx confirms.

I shake my head. “Oddly enough, no. Think he’s still drunk.”

Nyx rolls his eyes. “Probably.” He nods at the clothes. “Now get dressed. I’ll be outside waiting.”

I slip into the clothes Nyx had stolen from my room and go into the bathroom to run the hairbrush he’d packed through my hair and brush my teeth. He even packed my travel toothbrush. How I didn’t notice these things were gone last night is beyond me.

I pack my costume in the empty bag and go outside, where Nyx is already revved and ready to go, his helmet tucked under his arm. “Ready?” he asks.

I nod, pulling my helmet on and climbing the bike behind him. I wrap my arms tight around his waist, pressing my body into his back as he kicks the bike to life. The engine’s purr vibrates through me.

Before I know it, we’re speeding along the empty road, the wind whipping past us as the world blurs into a whirl of colors. I hold on tighter, my body molding to his as if we were made for each other. All I feel right now is excitement, the anticipation and fear of last night eradicated.

Nyx pulls into the parking lot of the mall. I know that the two of us out together alone will attract attention. So, I try to keep my distance from him as we walk toward the entrance. However, Nyx doesn’t let me keep my distance.

“Stay close, little hellion.” He yanks my hand into his and pulls me against him.

“People will look at us funny.”

His jaw clenches. “Let them. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”

And sure enough, as we walk hand-in-hand, heads turn, and whispers follow. I do my best to ignore them, focusing on the feel of Nyx’s hand in mine and his body’s solid presence beside me.

We make a beeline for the jewelry shop, the sparkle of gemstones catching my eye. Nyx pulls me into the store, a determined look in his eyes. “Choose something,” he urges, his thumb stroking over my knuckles. The heat of his touch sends tingles up my arm.

I study the glass cases filled with intricately designed rings, some simple and delicate, some chunky and flamboyant. My gaze lands on a gorgeous diamond ring sparkling under the soft light. Yet, it doesn’t feel right. Then, my eyes find a beautiful silver band with a large, single black diamond in the center. It’s unique, unconventional, a little bit dark – like Nyx.

“There,” I point.

Nyx’s eyes follow mine to the ring. His lips curl into a smile, approval flashing in his eyes. “Perfect,” he murmurs, his rough voice sending shivers down my spine. “I love it.”

I nod. “Me too,” I breathe, struggling to wrap my head around how we’re getting engaged just like that.

The shopkeeper brings it out, and I slide it onto my finger. It’s a perfect fit. As I look at it, something in my chest tightens. It’s as if something in the universe has just clicked into place. As if this ring, this man, this moment, had been waiting for me all my life.

“Hey, guys. What are you doing here?” Luna’s voice makes both of us tense. She strides into the jewelry store with an innocent curiosity sparkling in her eyes, but it does nothing to dilute the shock of her sudden appearance.

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