Page 25 of Dread’s Beloved

“I know I saw them kissing. Why?”

“Just wondering how awkward it’d be if I asked you out sometime if they’re fucking.”

I crinkle my nose up. “Justin,” I start, not knowing how to respond.

“Not now, obviously, but once you make it out the other side of this shit. Maybe we'll set things right. The way they were meant to be.”

“You’ve had too much beer.”

“I’m serious. It should have been me with you.”

I shake my head. “Don’t say that.”

“Why?”

“Because if that were true, then you’d be dead.”

“There’s several things wrong with your logic.”

“And what’s that?”

“One, I’m nothing like Zane. Two, if you were mine, I wouldn’t have cheated. And three, that fucker showed up at our place and tried to kill us, I’d gut his ass.”

“All fair points, but I’m sure you’ve got a girlfriend or five.”

“Only three, but I’d drop them all for a shot with you.”

“Ha. Ha. You’re so funny.”

“I’m being serious.”

“I don’t know if I’ll ever date again.”

“You will. Give it time, then call me.”

I shake my head. “Or you know if you ever just want sex I volunteer as tribute.”

“Wow. Thank you. I think.”

“Welcome.” He clinks his beer against mine.

Chapter Eleven

Dread

I’ve got a crick in my neck. I didn’t mean to fall asleep, but sitting in that chair watching Kitty sleep, I gave in and shut my eyes for what felt like a few minutes but had likely been a couple of hours. Some fucking bodyguard I am. I wipe my hand over my face. Fuck me. I need a shower, liquor, and some pussy. I look at the bed and notice Kitty is gone and my shirt is folded at the foot of the bed.

I crack my neck and my fingers and go down the hall to the bathroom. The inside is just ridiculous as the paint job on the door. The sinks have penis handles, and the urinal looks like the body of a Harley complete with the handlebars. I’ll shower later. First, I’ve got to find Kitty and make sure she’s holding up as good as she can be. Then I need that damn shot and if I’m lucky, pussy.

I walk downstairs to find her cutting up with Knives over beer and pizza. The two of them look really fucking cozy. I don’t like it even though he is making her smile. He’s got an arm around the back of her chair.

I start to go over and interrupt their little party when the scent of lavender wraps around me. “Hey Dennis. Longtime no see.”

I turn to my right and find a woman I’ve not seen in ten years. My ex-wife. Fucking hell. “Cass, what are you doing here?”

“Nice to see you, too.”

“Didn’t say it isn’t. Nightshade didn’t mention you when he rolled out the welcome wagon.”