Page 126 of All That Glitters

“The bus driver?” Dice looks at me skeptically.

“I don’t drive, remember? I had to get to work and do my shopping somehow. He was sweet to me. He let me ride for freein the mornings when it was just him and me. And no, he wasn’t a creep, before you say anything.”

Dice holds up his hands like he wasn’t even thinking that, but Amity looks stricken.

“What’s wrong?”

“I forgot you can’t drive. Jesus, we should have been here. The least we could have done was take you freaking shopping!” she snaps.

“Amity, chill. We covered this. I could have called too.”

“You were probably over here worried about being a burden.”

I link my arm through hers and lead them up to my place. “We’re all good, Amity.”

She sighs, but lets it go as I rummage in my bag for my key. I take a deep breath when I find it and slowly unlock the door.

Dice nudges me gently out of the way and goes in first, scoping the place out before he comes back with his jaw tense, reluctantly giving us the all-clear to come inside.

“Holy shit,” Lil gasps when she gets a look at the damage.

I step aside as the others look around, wrapping my arms around myself, feeling violated all over again.

Nevaeh walks over and hugs me. “I’m sorry someone did this to you. I’ll hex them so they always have diarrhea and no toilet paper.”

I snort out a laugh. “Gross.”

“Alright, let’s get started.” Lil claps and makes her way to the kitchen, as Dice walks over and opens all the blinds, letting the light flood in and making the place look less intimidating.

We all work together on the living room and kitchen, keeping the conversation light, though nobody lets me help much. In the end, I sit at the counter and supervise before deciding to tackle the bedroom. I hop off the stool and walk that way, pausing in the doorway, my nose crinkling at the acrid smell of urine clinging to the place.

“Fuck no, you’re not touching this,” Dice growls from behind me, making me jump.

I turn and look up at him and feel a tear slip free. “How do people sleep at night after doing shit like this, Dice? If he was watching me, he knew I was pregnant and alone. He knew this was all I had, and he still came in here and did this. He stood next to my bed where I slept and took photos of me,” I whisper, feeling more tears slide down my cheeks. “I hate him, and yet I have no idea who he is. How fucking ridiculous is that?”

“It’s not ridiculous at all. I want to kill the prick and I don’t know him either.” He tugs me in for a hug, my face squished against his cut as I hold onto it. “I hope you realize I’m dicing with death doing this. Midas will kill me if he finds out I hugged you.”

I laugh, but when I look up I can see he’s being serious. “It’s okay, I’ll protect you. Thanks for letting me snot all over you.”

“Perks of the job.” He winks before he ushers me out. “You come back in here and I’ll tell Midas to slap your ass.”

I gasp and frown. “That was rude and uncalled for. Nobody is getting near my ass,” I snap indignantly just as Lil walks up behind me and slaps my ass. I roll my eyes at her laughter. “I’m surrounded by children.”

A knock at the door has us all turning toward it. Dice stomps forward, barking at Nevaeh to step back when she goes to open it.

“It’s just our food, Dice.”

“I’m still getting the door, Tink.”

She huffs but crosses her arms and waits for him. He opens the door and takes the food before kicking the door shut with his boot. He carries the food over to the counter and looks over at me before curling his finger.

“Sit down and eat. I’ll sort your room out.”

I sigh but give in. I recognize the stubborn look on his face. If he wants to clean up piss-soaked bedding, who am I to fight him? “Fine, you win. Just throw everything away, though, Dice. I don’t want any of it anymore.”

“You sure? Some of it might be salvageable.”

I shake my head. “I’m sure.”