Page 41 of Unmasking My Dark Knight

We watched the others throwing their axes for a moment before she turned back to me. “Well, what are you doing these days? Besides like, being a total pro at ax-throwing.” She let out a little laugh as she rolled her eyes.

I ran a hand through my hair. I hadn’t realized how much I touched my fucking hair when I was nervous.

“Besides that? Hmm…” I trailed off, pretending to think.

I had no idea what to say. What else was there besides the breakup and quitting my job?

“Just work. Lots of work,” I fumbled out. “And um, just trying to find a new place since my girlfriend and I broke up recently.”

She shifted a little, her head tilting and her brows pulling together with concern. “What happened with you and your girlfriend?”

My heart leaped a little bit out of my throat. I hated talking about this shit. It stung way too deep, but I had to give Ivy Jade something. But I couldn’t tell her everything, otherwise, it would be a dead giveaway.

“I tried to take a chance on something… something she didn’t agree with. Our lifestyles just didn’t mesh well together after that.”

She searched my expression, and I could tell that she wanted more than the vagueness I was giving her, but it seemed like she also didn’t want to pry.

“That’s a bummer,” she said softly. “You have no place to stay? I’m sure Gustav could help you find a place. You know he’s a big real estate guy now, right?”

I thought it was sweet that she was concerned about my living arrangement.

“I’m alright for now. I have a few places lined up; I’ll be fine,” I lied with a grin. I didn’t know why I was lying, but it seemed like they just kept piling on naturally, snowballing. I fucking hated it.

She exhaled, nodding like she was relieved.

“So like, what do you do then?” She kept the questions coming, and instead of feeling grateful that she was interested in catching up, I was dreading each lie I’d have to tell.

“Oh, I’m in financial advising,” I answered. It was only a half-lie.

"Financial advising? So like, you play with money all day? You're rich."

It dawned on me then that what I did and how much money I made were probably important to her. It was probably the most important thing to her.

I immediately deflected. “I do okay. What about you? What do you do now?” I grinned. “Let me guess… a model?”

She scoffed and did her little mouse patter on my arm. “You’re such a freaking tease!” She couldn’t help but blush, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was flirting with me. She uncrossed her legs, and my eyes shot right back to them. “But as far as me? Well. Geez. I don’t know. I’m kinda just waiting, I guess…”

I wasn’t sure what she meant.

“Waiting? On what?”

Something changed. Ivy Jade looked a little more exhausted—the light in her eyes more dull. “I don’t know. It’s stupid. I guess you would call it my purpose—whatever Mami and Papi want.”

“They’re giving you a job?” I pried, still unsure.

She braided the tips of her hair. “I guess. It’s sorta a job, but not really… It’s more about me becoming the perfect future wife for Antonio.”

My beer was empty, but I put it up to my lips, nervously sipping on nothing. What the actual fuck was she even talking about right now? “Antonio?” I choked.

“Yeah. The doctor,” she added, as if it were common news. “I don’t know. It’s complicated. We’ll see what happens.”

“Ivy Jade… are you engaged?”

“No. Don’t be silly…” She waved the notion away, then looked up at the group as more cheers erupted from the other end of the bar. The thud of axes whacked against the boards, and I sat there a little more confused.

“Ivy Jade! Come here and show me how to throw the ax like you did!” Tallulah shouted, and Ivy Jade sprang up from the booth.

“Forget I said anything. Let’s go show Tallulah how to win. You’re on our team now.” She took my hand, her skin soft and warm. The way she looked at me—it was the same look in her eyes as the night before, as High Jynx, and hope sprang throughout my entire body. Finally, there was something happening between us.