Page 83 of Picture Perfect

"Thanks, but I don't need you to save me," she insists, trying to push away, but I tighten my hold, not ready to let go.

"I'm no knight in shining armor, snowflake," I reply, keeping my voice low. "But sometimes it's okay to lean on someone else. Even if it's just to catch your breath."

"Who needs a knight with shining armor? They've never seen battle. Girls should want a knight in dented armor."

"Snowflake."

She looks up at me, those green eyes piercing through the veil of her usual indifference. For a moment, I think I see gratitude there, maybe fear. I just hope it's not me she's afraid of.

"Fine," she concedes, her body still leaning on mine for support. "But only until I can stand on my own."

"Deal," I say, knowing full well that helping her now doesn't mean she won't be standing tall and unassailable tomorrow. Because that's who Adelaide Winthrop is: the Ice Princess, with a heart full of scars and a will made of steel.

Before she has a chance to protest further, I scoop Addy up in my arms, ignoring the daggers she throws from her eyes. "Put me down, Dre," she hisses, pushing against my chest with feeble strength.

"Stop being stubborn," I grunt, adjusting my hold on her as we make our way out of the gymnasium. I can feel the weight of her gaze, heavy with unspoken words and pride that refuses to crack even now. But beneath it all, there's a silent plea, a whisper of thanks that she'd never voice out loud.

I can't help but feel a surge of protectiveness, an almost murderous rage at the thought of anyone or anything causing her pain. I may be a monster, born from shadows and inked in scars, but I am her monster, and I'll fight every demon that haunts her.

I push our way into the girls' locker room and grab her things before texting Saint and Chess. They're waiting for us the second we exit into the hallway.

"Let's take my car," Saint suggests, already fishing his keys out of his pocket.

"Fine," I relent, shifting Addy so I can open the passenger door. Despite her protests, I know she doesn’t have the strength to walk, let alone stand.

"Really, I'm okay," Addy tries again, but her voice is frail, betraying her words.

"Addy, just... shut up for once and let us help," Chess says softly, opening the back door and sliding inside.

"Sorry, Snowflake," I whisper into her ear, not missing the shiver that runs through her as I secure her seatbelt. "You're not in this alone. Not anymore."

I meet Saint's eyes over the roof of the car, seeing my own determination mirrored there. We’re in this together, a pact sealed without words. We will carry her through hell if that's what it takes.

She might have started out as a job, a game. But that's not what this is anymore.

She snorts and crosses her arms over her chest in defiance. She doesn't believe me. My solitary little snowflake. She's been alone for so long. Why would she believe us?

I wouldn't if I were her.

I turn my body toward her and put my hand over her throat. She stiffens at my touch, but I know it's not because she doesn't like it. If her hair weren't hiding her face, I'd see the heat burning in her eyes.

"Look at me," I press my thumb under her chin to turn her face my way. When she fights, I run my fingers into her thick hair and grip the roots. The intake of breath makes my cock twitch.

"Come on, baby, look at me."

Addy's eyes finally meet mine, a mixture of defiance and vulnerability swirling within their depths. Fuck, she's beautiful. How did I ever stay away?

"You. Are. Not. Alone. You're not as cold as you want them to believe, Addy," I murmur, the gravel in my voice sending a shiver down her spine. "I see the cracks in the ice, the fissures in your armor. You can pretend all you want, but I'm not going anywhere. I've got my own darkness, my own twisted corners, and they've wrapped themselves around you so tight you'll never unravel them."

A spark of something ignites in her eyes, a mix of frustration and a hint of surrender. "And, if I don't want your help?"

"I'm the beast in the shadows, and I've already claimed you. You can fight it, resist it, but in the end, you'll realize there's no escaping."

"You're insane."

I chuckle, the sound low and dark. "Maybe I am. But so are you, in your own way. We're not the heroes of this story, Addy. We're the ones who thrive in the chaos, revel in the shadows. And whether you like it or not, we're in this together."

I press my lips against hers, an insatiable hunger that can only be sated with her taste. Time seems to slow, unfolding in a slow, deliberate dance. The taste of her lingers on my tongue. I will never get enough of her.

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