Page 41 of Worse Fates

Shaking my head, I look at him like he’s lost a couple brain cells. “So only asexuals and vampires can be hot now? Just imagine an asexual vampire, they’ll be too powerful.”

Kai elbows me. “No, what I mean is other guys really like you. They’re always flirting, and you never notice.”

“Maybe I’m just stupid?” I joke.

“You can be stupid and asexual,” he counters and we both laugh. “Also, you never talk about fancying anyone, or sex or porn. I didn’t wanna push you for an answer, it’s your business after all. But when your eyes met Lucero’s?” he whistled. “Intense.”

Memories of last night play like a shitty movie I can’t turn off.

“I’m not ace, Kai. I just don’t really think about that stuff a lot.”

Kai chin bobs. “Alright then. Now that’s all sorted, I’m starving.”

But before Kai can get out of bed, I tackle him back into the mattress and hug him. “You know I’ve got your back too, right?” And grin into his braids.

He laughs. “You’ve also got all my broken bones.”

Chapter Fifteen - Golden

Once I’m out of bed and dressed in Ramy’s black jeans (which I need to roll the legs up) and white t-shirt (that’s too big in the shoulders. Maybe Idohate Ramy?), I finally take a look at my surroundings.

The bed is so big I could’ve invited Apollo, Summer and Luuk to join us, and still have room to roll around. A headboard decorates it, thick and carved with a swirling pattern that I bet has a fancy name.

I wiggle my toes on the buttery soft carpet as I cross the room toward two cream sofas framing a massive flat-screen TV, while pretending I can’t hear Kai cursing and struggling into Ramy’s jeans.

On the opposite end of the room, are floor-to-ceiling arched windows with black heavy curtains cinched to the sides. The whole space is decorated in dark colours but the throw blanket and pillows make it cosy.

The only splashes of colour are from three paintings hanging opposite the bed. I frown at them, feeling a twinge of recognition. They’re watercolors of people dancing, deep in conversation, or playing cards. Snapshots into lives before cameras.

“Are these famous paintings or something?” I ask, stepping closer to get a better look.

Kai breathes heavily as he approaches. Jeans tight, but on. “I dunno. Why ask me?”

“Because you're an artist?”

Shoving a black t-shirt over his head, Kai inspects the art. “I’m more of anArchibald John Motley JrorSimon Fujiwaraman.”

“Huh?”

“I’m hungry, mate,” he complains, shoving arms through his leather jacket, then positions his hair to hide his scars. “It’s the afternoon and I’ve been waiting for your lazy ass to get up. Ramy’s chill, but who knows how many vampires are lurking around every corner.”

“So I’m your bodyguard?” I grin heading for the door.

“I’m pretty certain Lucero isn’t going to let you get hurt. Me on the other hand?”

I’m first into the hallway as the official bodyguard, and lead Kai down the way we came last night until we’re back in the empty kitchen.

We make our way to the fridge, and stand in front of the murmuring two-doored silvered beast.

“Do you think it’s full of blood?” I ask, feet shifting.

Kai pops his chin on my shoulder. “Only one way to find out…”

We pause.

Slowly I reach for the door handle, fingers curling around the smooth metal; which is warmer than I expected and on a sharp inhale, I rip the door open.

“Disappointing,” Kai says.