Page 48 of Unveiled Wounds

“I’m fine. You’re just a shit stirrer,” I quickly retorted. I should have kept my mouth shut, but I had a bad habit of instantly defending myself.

“Emily gave you terrible advice, which made it easier to see your predicament. You’re trying not to waddle, but you over-corrected. Bam! Swollen cooch.” Pretty wrapped his arm around an imaginary bowl, pretending to stir with a spoon.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I didn’t have to ask if my aunt was following along. She placed her hand over my leg and gave it a sympathy pat.

“Yeah, and we all ignore when Emily’s walking funny.” Pretty waited for How to focus on him, before he delivered the punch line. “Got a piercing, too.”

How got up from the table, said nothing as he disposed of his trash, and went upstairs.

“Was it something I said?” Pretty laughed, while most of the table shook their heads.

“I won,” Thunder boomed. “It took nineteen minutes, from bottom stair to bottom stair, and you didn’t disappoint, kid.”

Grizz closed his eyes, rubbing the back of his eyelids.

“What? I need to buy new games for my lady.”

Slate growled, and my aunt lowered her eyes. For a second, I forgot about my discomfort, dying to know what was going on with those three.

Chapter 20

Not Today Satan

Meredith

I rolled over, bumping into Grizz’s solid form. Settling myself against him, I told myself I was still asleep. Grizz was his own personal oven, so when he swung his arm around my waist, I had to roll back over to my side. I couldn’t stand to be hot. My eyes opened a sliver and saw it was still dark outside. It was too early, and I wasn’t a morning person. If the sun wasn’t up, then I didn’t feel the need to be awake.

“Hey, Sweet Cheeks.”

My eyes flew open, and I quickly sat up in bed. The memory of Pulse’s voice made my chest tighten, but panic didn’t settle in. I was then panicked because I wasn’t panicking. I could breathe, and that was normally half the battle. “Not today, Satan,” I whispered into the darkened room.

The nightmares were getting better, but I still had at least one every couple of days. They ranged in intensity, but the worst ones were always about Pulse. I needed to forgive myself so that he would go the fuck away, once and for all, but I wasn’t ready.

Reaching behind me, I stacked my pillows, propping myself. I was up, and there wouldn’t be any chance of falling asleep again. The movement hadn’t woken Grizz. He wasn’t a light sleeper, but he was so in tune with my nightmares that any shift in the bed usually woke him. Guilt settled over me. I’d done that to him, and today was his only day to sleep in. There was a club meeting at nine, and with the businesses closed, Grizz wasn’t in demand.

Checking my phone, I saw it was only six in the morning. Even in the dark, I couldn’t ignore the group chat that lit up my home screen. The Three Musketeers. My best friends had been chatting last night, ignoring my lack of responses.

Me

Hi.

Stella

OMG! You’re alive.

Charlie?

Get UP!

Charlie

You woke me.

I didn’t get in until late.

Me

Phones have off buttons.