She turns to me, eyes bright, smile just a little shy of crazy. “Oh, nothing. Ghostberry’s just helping me settle some scores.”
My head snaps to Ghost. “What?” I bite out, voice high, almost shrill.
He shrugs, totally unbothered. “Yeah. We have an understanding.”
For a second, I forget how to breathe. My eyes are about to pop out of my skull as they ping-pong between the two of them.
I can’t process it. Ria was more anti-Ghost than even I was. How the hell did he win her over?
“You two besties now?” I ask, stunned.
Ria laughs and shakes her head. “No, none of that.” She pauses, tapping her finger to her chin. “We’re more like… frenemies?” She peeks at Ghost, grinning. “That sounds about right, doesn’t it, Ghostberry?”
“Sure does, Powerpuff,” he murmurs, voice maddeningly casual.
There’s a beat of silence. Then his eyes lock on mine.
I’m still caught off guard, still trying to figure out what the hell’s happening, when his gaze shifts — dark, intense. It hits me like a punch to the gut. A slow, wicked smirk curls the corner of his mouth.
“What have you prepared for me today, adorable?” he asks, voice low, like a caress. “I can’t wait to find out.”
The way he says it… it’s not about a prank. It’s something else. Something dirtier.
My cheeks flame.
I take a deep breath and glare at him. “Don’t you use that tone with me!”
His smirk stretches into a grin. Sinful. Confident. “What tone would that be, adorable?”
I point a finger, circling in his general direction. “Youknowwhat tone, Ghost! Don’t play dumb,” I hiss. “I’m on to your game. It won’t work.”
He tilts his head, grin not fading. “We’ll see,” he murmurs, and then he winks.
He leans down just enough to whisper, “You’re so strong, adorable.” And then he walks away. Like his work here is done.
I’m flabbergasted by his audacity. I wasn’t ready for this. After last night, I thought he’d try some stupid gifts or something. Keep saying sorry. Trying to explain shit. Not come out swinging in full flirt mode. I thought he’d take it step by step. That I’d have time to prepare.
Butno. He jumped a thousand miles ahead. Coming at me like a goddamn bulldozer, trying to make up for every second he stayed away, all at once.
Ria watches him go, eyes wide. “Oh, you’re in trouble,” she whispers. "You liked his dick. You liked it too much. And he knows it."
“Get the fucking darts, Ria,” I snap, scratching little Gary’s head faster. He starts purring. I start fraying at the edges.
“They’re back at my place,” she mutters, tapping her chin in thought. “I’ll have to take him by surprise again.”
I frown, a little alarmed. “I wasn’t serious about the darts! Please don’t do it again. A second round might damage him forever.”
My heart twists. I already played a part in damaging Ghost the first time, didn’t I? Fuck me, will the guilt ever fade?
“Pffft,” she scoffs. “A little damage is always good for the soul. Builds character.” She presses her lips together, glancing toward where Ghost walked off. “But sure, I’ll do as you say. Plus, I might hesitate and miss,” she mutters, scrunching her nose like she can’t believe what she’s saying.
I suck in a breath, steadying myself. Ria hesitate?
“How come you like him now?” I ask, almost in disbelief.
She rolls her eyes. “Let’s not go that far. I tolerate him. He’s like that cat you’re holding. A lost stray. Flailing around, trying to survive whatever’s eating him from the inside.”
I slump in my chair, deflated. “You might be right.”
