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“Didn’t really take you for the hangry monster type. I saw you as more of the silent killer type,” Lya teases, trying to lighten the mood. “But seriously, if you’re going to walk out in the dead of night, at least wear something bright in case a car comes by, so they don’t run you over.”
“You never know, I might still be the silent killer type,” I joke back. “Next time I’ll make sure I look like a rainbow out there walking, so no one will miss me. Might even get some lightsabers as well to flash around.” I give her a giant grin. It’s crazy how fast we can go from wanting to rip each other’s heads off to joking around about being killers. I know she’s probably still suspicious of me, but it’s nice to spend some time joking around with her.
She chuckles. “Good. Also, you know if you’re ever having trouble sleeping, you could always go take it out in the gym? Sometimes when I can’t sleep or I’m feeling tense, I go down there and beat up some punching bags.”
Honestly, I’ve never thought of going down there. Working out has never been something in my daily routine—I doubt Harvey would ever want his girls to be strong enough to fight back—and when Zep and Lya asked me if I wanted to start training with them, I didn’t really have any interest. Clearly, in this situation, I’m just a bold-faced liar, but maybe next time I actually can’t sleep I will check out this state-of-the-art gym. At this point, with all these secrets, I’m going to need it or I’ll combust.
Nodding my head, she slides off the counter and heads out of the kitchen, flipping the light on as she goes. My eyes squint at the sudden attack of light before they adjust.
After I finish inhaling the food and water, I head up to my room, swiping a nail file, tweezers, and some bobby pins from the bathroom on my way to pick my bedroom door lock. Looking around to make sure no one’s around, I crouch in front of the door. I slide the bobby pin into the lock, shifting the pointy end of the tweezers underneath to put pressure on it. Taking the nail file, I shift it down through the crack in the door and try to wiggle the latch back enough to pop the door open. This isn’t the easiest method, but these were the only things I could find in the bathroom without making too much noise rummaging around.
Wiggling the tools, I start to get stressed as the lock doesn’t budge. Sweat begins to coat my forehead, and I furrow my brows in frustration. I bend the tweezers as much as I can, but nothing is working. I can hear rustling coming from Lya’s room down the hall, letting me know someone’s moving around.
Shit, I need to get this opened before they see me out here. Taking in a deep breath and closing my eyes, I push my shoulders back and relax them. I level my eye with the keyhole and twist the bobby pin in further, with added pressure from the tweezers.
I hear a soft click, letting me know that I’ve finally got the door open. I practically tumble inside, gently closing the door behind me just as I hear Lya’s swing open. Leaning my back against the door, I let out the breath I was holding, grateful that I didn’t have to explain myself out of that.
Looking at the clock, I see that it’s now just after six a.m. There’s no point in me going back to bed, so I head to the bathroom, stripping off my clothes as I go, needing to feel the hot water cascading down my body.
The moment I step into the shower, I turn the water onto the highest temperature, letting my soft pale skin turn red. My entire body feels at ease now. I let the water surround me, relax me, and give me time to process the last twenty-four hours.
Excitement pulses through my veins at the thought of getting to see Greyson again soon. God, I never thought I’d be this kind of person—needing to see someone so badly—but I don’t know if I’ll ever get him out of my head at this point.
Finishing up in the shower, I decided I’ll just get ready for the day. Although I’m extremely tired, I don’t want to miss out on going to the library. Quickly drying my hair, curling it, and perfecting my makeup, I head to the closet to pick out my outfit.
I have a feeling Greyson will be at the library again today, so I want to look like sin. For the first time in my life, I’m getting to pick out what I want to wear and how I want to look. At Harvey’s, we always had to be primped and ready to go at all times. Because of that, I always had to wear the skimpiest clothes, have about a pound of makeup on my face, and be fully shaved.
With this, I can pick how I want to look and how much makeup I use. It’s honestly so refreshing to have such simple freedoms. I go with a soft, red silk tank top, black pencil skirt, black cropped jacket, and some black heels.Professional and sexy.My long brown hair cascades down my shoulders. Looking in the mirror, my hazel eyes stand out against the smoky eyeshadow painted on my lids. The pencil skirt hugs all of my curves, making my hips stand out more. Since I got out of Harvey’s, I don’t look so bony or sick. It feels good to have my body filled out.
Greyson’s going to lose his mind when he sees me in this outfit. I feel the most unstoppable woman in the world right now. Something about last night has uncovered a new confidence inside of me. I feel like it was always there, but I needed the right moment to let it shine through.
I can feel fire burning inside me, ready to smoulder anything that stands in my way of being my true self. I’m a phoenix rising from the ashes; all it took was the man who tormented my soul for the last nine years to finally burn me to the ground.
Giving myself one last glance in the mirror, I head downstairs to see if anyone else is up. As I round the corner into the kitchen, I see Thiago standing by the coffee pot making himself a cup.
“Want to make me one?” I grumble, still feeling the effects from not enough sleep.
“Well, aren’t we a happy camper this morning, Buttercup?” Thiago says, with sass behind his accent as he grins at me.This guy is way too happy in the mornings.
“Eww. Buttercup? Why do I have to beButtercup?I think I’m much more of an Inigo Montoya.” How dare he call me Buttercup. She’s honestly one of my least favorite characters inThe Princess Bride. I’m definitely more of an Inigo Montoya—a badass, full of drive and revenge.
“Hmmm, fine. Inigo Montoya it is.” He chuckles at my choice of character.
“Thanks, Prince Humperdinck,” I tease, sticking out my tongue. Thiago sucks in a large gasp, acting like I’ve just kicked a puppy. Humperdinck was undeniably the worst character of them all.
“Now that was just rude. No coffee for you.” He sets the cup down at the far end of the bar where I can’t reach it.
“Dick,” I mutter under my breath.
“Are you two really talking aboutThe Princess Bridethis early in the morning?” Rian moans from behind us, making both Thiago and I jump.
“Jesus, how are you so quiet?” I demand, trying to control my heart rate from his sudden arrival.
“Lots of practice. Always gotta keep people on their toes. You never know who’ll be watching.” Rian’s comment might seem like a casual statement, but the way his glare’s pointed at me makes me think he chose his words very deliberately.
“Mmhmm, sure. Or you just want to be a creep, lurking around to spy on other people's conversations.” Thiago lets out a soft snort at my statement.
Although I’m less intimidated by the guys now, I always get a sense that deep down Rian doesn’t particularly like me. Not that he hates me by any means, but I suspect he holds some kind of strange resentment toward me because of what happened with Greyson and Lya.
