Page 25 of Wicked Scandal

This is getting dangerous. What is it about him that has me forgetting my head every time we talk? No matter how much I want to kill the conversation, I can’t help but keep it going.

WildMisfit: Older, huh? I’m intrigued. Any plans once you leave this hellhole?

As if I can ever leave…

CatEyes: I have big dreams when I get out of here. Doesn’t mean they’ll come true, though. How about you? What do you aspire to be when you “grow up”?

I put grow up in quotes because I don’t picture him as a kid. He is more mature than my husband the vast majority of the time.

WildMisfit: Doesn’t matter what I do. For me, it’s all about being happy. Happiness is the driving force behind anything I do, both now and after graduation.

That’s an odd answer. Is Wilder not happy here?

CatEyes: And what is it that makes you happy?

WildMisfit: Right now? Talking to you.

I blush at his answer, unable to contain my smile. He is my escape from my life here, and maybe I am his too. But I won’t fall for his charming ways so easily. After all, I can see right through it.

CatEyes: Smoooooth!

WildMisfit: I’m trying.

I laugh out loud, give the room a quick sweep to see if anyone noticed, then return to typing when no one seems to care.

CatEyes: I like talking to you. Not much makes me smile these days, but you do.

I don’t know why I’m being so open and honest with him, but it feels right.

WildMisfit: There is so much in life worth smiling about. Care to tell me what has you down?

There’s a pang in my chest—an uncertainty if I’m ready to tell anyone about my misfortunes in life. But, I know I can trust Wilder, even if he doesn't know who it is that’s putting their trust in him. I guess that makes it easier to be honest with him, in some sense.

CatEyes: My home life is…let’s say, rough. Some things happened in my past that make it hard to leave.

WildMisfit: You can’t let your past be an anchor. Life is too short.

CatEyes: If only it were that easy.

He has no idea what hangs over my head, the sins I committed that keep me here and chained to a monster. What’s worse is, I could never tell him. He would look at me differently if he knew what I did. Everyone would.

WildMisfit: Who says it can’t be?

CatEyes: Honestly, only you. But you’re only getting a small glimpse into my life. If you knew about my sordid past, or what I endure daily, you’d run. I promise you that.

The ugly truth hurts. If Wilder had any idea what he was getting mixed up in, he wouldn’t just run, he would never speak to me again.

WildMisfit: Give me a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised.

CatEyes: You surprise me every day just by being you.

WildMisfit: In that case, I think it’s time I return the favor. Let me be surprised. Are you ready to tell me who you are?

A giggle escapes me and I look out at the class, making sure no one noticed before returning to our chat.

CatEyes: I’m warming up to the idea.

Lie. He can’t find out and I won’t tell him. He already knows too much. If he figured out it’s me, I have no doubt he would be able to put all of the clues together and see who I really am. I just can’t be a monster in his eyes.

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