Page 101 of On Edge

Don’t be such a baby,Nelladmonishes.

“And look where it got you,” I grit out.

Nell always used to call me weak, saying I was too innocent for my own good. But surely one gets a pass for marrying the Demon of Port Penn, kissing him when no one is looking, and then being left wanting more.

Surely?

When there’s nothing left, shaking, I get to my feet. I take my time washing my hands and face while staring at the pathetic girl in the mirror.

When I close my eyes and open them, I see my sister in my reflection, her pale face momentarily superimposed on mine—swollen, waterlogged, lips tinged blue, eyes empty and bulging in their sockets.

“Water does that to a corpse, baby sis.”

“Oh, go away,” I rasp, gripping the edge of the sink, but the mirage has already faded, leaving me alone again.

I pull out my phone and stare at its screen. I’ll need to find a way to see his scars. I’m shaking at the thought.And secretly looking forward to it, too.It makes me want to laugh and cry.

God, I’m losing it.

They’ll be committing me at this rate.

Shakily, I text my friends.

Sage:

You guys awake?

Laine:

It's 11 am on a Tuesday. Of course, we're awake. So, you’re getting MARRIED!

Nola:

When were you going to tell us?

Sage:

I was going to tell you. It’s just been a bit crazy here, but everything’s fine.

Laine:

How is that fine? What happened to the plan? Where are you?

Sage:

In Hyde Park. He took me for pancakes this morning.

Laine:

He what? Oh, is it a date?

Nola:

You’re on a date with him?

Sage:

It’s not a date. It’s just breakfast at the Serpentine.