Page 160 of Ashes

“Or like you’re an extra for Magic Mike. Which isn’t a bad thing.” I tried to fix a smile onto my face.

He let out a chuckle before shaking his head. “You don’t need to fake with me, Malachi. I know you’re struggling.”

I swallowed hard. “I am, but I’ll get through it. I always do.”

“You promise you’re OK? I worry about you.”

“I’m fine. Or I will be. I just need some time. That’s all.”

“Promise to talk to me when you need to though, OK?”

I nodded. “Promise.”

“And this whole Sin thing?” He winced.

I licked my lips, the implications constricting my heart. “I really hope he didn’t do this.”

“He had all the motivation in the world,” Ashes murmured.

He did. I knew he did. He’d been through hell with Isabella. I knew how he was. He’d shut down and decided he wasn’t worth shit and refused to believe otherwise. That may have been all the motivation he’d needed.

Fuck, please. Please don’t let it be Sin who did this.

“I know,” I said. “But I really fucking hope he’s innocent. . . it would crush me if he wasn’t.”

“Me too.” Ashes sighed.

We were both quiet for a moment before Ashes spoke.

“Let’s just try to have a decent time, OK? Fuck the rest for now. We deserve some relief.”

“Do we?” My mind went back to my poor angel hurting before shooting off to what later tonight would bring if Sin had fucked up.

“We do, Malachi. You know we do.”

“Church is going to hate my costume,” I said, pointing to the noose around my neck.

“Good. It’ll take his mind off other shit.”

“I suppose that’s a good thing, huh? I mean, this is where Ihangout. He might laugh.”

“You’re killing me. Come on.” He smiled again and nodded for me to follow him. I did, the music growing louder as we walked into the living room and out to the patio.

The backyard was packed with people in costumes, all dancing and having a good time. Ashes had the bonfire going. The flames reflected in his eyes as he smiled at it.

I clapped him on the shoulder, and he turned his head and grinned at me.

“The noose is a bit much,” Church muttered sourly, stopping in front of me.

“Well,Father Church, I’d say you’re not too far behind,” I said, taking in the priest costume he wore.

“I figured it was a good outfit to deal withsinners.” He looked out to the sea of students. Sin stood off to the side, his hands in his pockets. He wasn’t dressed up. He never did for these parties. It always pissed Church off, but it wasn’t something we’d ever get changed, so it was a moot point.

“Have you seen Sirena yet?” Cady asked, joining us in a black cat costume.

I didn’t spend a lot of time with her or around her, but she was definitely the complete opposite of my angel. I didn’t hate Cady though. She was annoying, but I knew she cared for our girl, so I’d tolerate her shit.

“No.” Church looked out to the crowded backyard. “Not yet.”

---