Page 63 of Deadmen's Queen

“Go after her,” he said. “We’ll finish up here and clear up the mess. I’m sure she’ll feel better after she’s had some time to get used to us.”

“Rosa,” my mum said, getting to her feet. “Why don’t we go and find some clothes of yours that might fit Paige. I’m sure she’ll feel more comfortable in clothes that actually fit, and she’s small enough to fit in your size, I’m sure.”

Rosa nodded and reached out, squeezing my hand. “I’ll find her something nice to wear, Tris. Go give your girl a cuddle.”

I squeezed her hand back, then got up and made my way out of the room. My girl. I liked the sound of that.

I headed upstairs, guessing she’d have gone back to my room. I was right. I pushed open the door to find her sitting on the bed, her knees drawn up and her arms wrapped around them.

I knocked softly on the ajar door, not wanting to startle her.

“Paige?”

She lifted her head and when she looked at me, her eyes were red-rimmed from crying. She quickly wiped away her tears and tried to cover up with a weak smile.

“I'm sorry,” she murmured.

I shook my head, sitting down next to her. “You don't have anything to apologise for,” I insisted.

“But I ruined the mood. I...” She blinked back fresh tears and looked down at her hands.

Lifting a hand to gently cup her cheek, I turned her face towards me. “You didn't ruin anything, Paige,” I told her firmly. “It's just new for you, isn’t it?”

She nodded. “We never did anything for Christmas, or birthdays. I’ve never seen a family act the way yours does.”

I smiled, reaching out to take her hand in mine. “I guess we are a bit much.”

“No, you’re not. Not at all. Your family is perfect. It was just…”

“Overwhelming?” I asked softly, and she nodded.

“I love the paints, Tristan,” she said, looking up at me, her blue eyes wide and earnest. “I really do. I’d been saving up for each one cause they’re so expensive, and to see them all like that… it was just so generous of you.”

I smiled, but inside I felt horribly guilty all of a sudden. Those paints had cost less than a tank of petrol for my car, and yet they’d overwhelmed Paige to the point she’d had to leave the room. I really needed to take a good fucking look at my life.

“I just wanted to do something nice for you, Paige. I knew I could have bought you jewellery, or perfume, but I wanted something you’d treasure. Something that would bring you joy.” Something that would remind you of me when you’re gone, I added in my head, pushing away the pain that bloomed inside at that thought.

“I will treasure them, Tristan, so much. I just wish I had thought to get you something. What I said to Rosa, we don’t celebrate at all, and it never occurred to me to…”

“Shh,” I said, pulling her close and kissing her gently. I slid my hands into her hair, holding her face close to me, and leaned my forehead against hers, looking into her eyes.

“Paige, my father is one of the richest men on the planet, and my trust fund would make most of the Forbes list jealous. I can buy anything in the world that I want, but none of it means anything without your smile, your sunshine in my life. I love you. I want to make you happy, and seeing you happy, that is the most precious gift I could ask for. Understand?”

She took a shaky breath, and nodded. I kissed her on the forehead.

“Good. Now, Rosa’s room is two doors down, and she’s come up to find you some clothes to wear. I would suggest you go and give her a hand as my sister has rather questionable taste in clothes.”

Paige laughed, and the light sound had me smiling again.

“She'd kill you if she heard that,” she said, finally looking up at me with an amused expression.

“Probably,” I agreed, ruffling her hair affectionately. “But despite her fashion sense, Rosa's a great girl and I think you'll get along.”

Paige gave me a small nod and slowly got up, heading to the door. She paused, looking back.

“I love you,” she said quietly.

“I love you too,” I replied. “Now go get dressed. I’ve got a Christmas dinner to cook.”

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