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“Be nice.” I order him.
“Only for you.” He leans in to kiss me again, before he lets me down. “I’ll see you later. Please, tell me where this party is, and who’s hosting it.”
“Why do you need to know?”
“Because, what if something happens, and you need rescuing?”
“That’s why G and I are going to be together.” I understand he’s older than me and likes to worry, but he’s gonna have to chill out. “Look, it’s going to be out at Baker’s Field Mill, and the hosts are some guys that call themselves The Devils of Cliffside.” At the mention of their name, it gets scary quiet.
I look into his face and see a crease form in the center of his forehead. I wonder what’s that about? “Do you know them or something?”
“No, darling, I mean, I’ve heard of them. The question is, how do you know them?” He asks, squeezing my shoulders.
“I don’t. I just told you that Gaia was invited to their party, and she asked me to go with her.” I shake out of his grasp. “You need to lighten up, nothing bad is going to happen. We are going to have a good time, because we deserve it. Plus, I need to have a little fun before I become your wife.” I whisper. “Jeez, that sounds really weird. I’m going to be someone’s wife.” I chuckle to myself.
“Okay, darling, I trust you to grant you this for tonight. Once this is over and out of your system, I get to have you all to myself.” He pecks me once before walking back to the front door. “Soon, I will set it up for you to properly meet Wyck. He’s been gone for some time, but when it’s convenient for him, you two will meet, and I’m sure you will love him.”
“I’d like that. So, I’ll text or call you later tonight.” I say, walking him to the door.
“That sounds marvelous, darling. Until then.” He wraps me in a tight embrace, before letting me go. I close the door, lean on it, and begin to fan myself.
“What the fuck did you just do?” Gaia grunts, coming from around the corner with her arms folded across her chest.
“I just agreed to marry that beautiful, sexy, hot, older man.” I mumble, kicking myself off the door and walking past her as if I’m floating on cloud nine.
“I heard that, but why would you do that, Athens? He's like twenty-four years older than you?”
“Yeah, so?”
“So? So? You have your whole fucking life ahead of you while he’ll probably be dead in like ten years if he keeps living the life he is.” She shouts.
“And what exactly is that supposed to mean, G?” I turn and look at her, with rage-filled eyes as I just stare at her.
“Look, I’m sorry. I just worry about you. You’re my best fucking friend, and it’s my job to look out for you. Forget I said anything.” She gives me a half-smile, something she does when she knows she’s out of line. Also, it’s her attempt at an apology.
“Yeah, let’s. I don’t want to think about what I just did. I just want to live like a normal twenty something year old, enjoying a college party and getting wasted with her bestie.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, who said anything about you getting wasted?” She doesn’t let me answer. “Your ass is on a tight leash tonight, sister. Tonight is all about me meeting and fucking a Devil.” She announces.
“Oh, dear me, how can I forget that this night is only about you, milady? Please, oh noble one, do not forsake me.” I put on my best English accent as I bow down to her, giving her my hand to see if she plays along.
“Evil peasant, you are forthwith forgiven, though thou shall not forget one's place on this eve.” She says, taking my hand and pulling me up. “You’re an idiot, but I love you. It is I who should be asking for your forgiveness.” She pulls me into a tight hug. “I love you.”
“And I love you. Now, let's go.” We run off back to our rooms to finish picking out things to wear.
Nearly three hours later, everything is set for the night.
“I’m gonna take a cat nap before it’s time for us to get ready.” G yawns. “You should, too because tonight is gonna be off the charts.” She yelps, flopping down on her bed. “Hey, Siri?”
“Yes?”
“Set an alarm for ten-thirty.”
“Alarm set.” Siri announces.
“Lights out for me.” She giggles, snuggling deeper under her covers.
“I guess I have no choice but to follow the leader.” I leave her, running to my room and jumping in my bed. “See you after our nap.” I call out to her.