Page 72 of Little Psycho

“Let's do it,” he proposes, his voice earnest.“Why wait?We have no reason not to chase after those little dreams, especially now that we know tomorrow is never promised.”

I nod, excitement building inside me.“Let’s stop by there on the way back from what we’re about to go do.”

As we sit here, close together once again, there’s a warmth blossoming between us, igniting something I’ve kept buried for far too long.I realize I’m not just longing for those golden moments of the past—I’m hungry for a future where the guys and I forge new memories together.But is any of that possible with how fucked up things have become?Do we even have a chance?

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”he asks, cutting through the static in my head and wiggling his brows with a playful but questioning look on his face.

“No, I want it to be a surprise,” I tell him, standing up and slinging my backpack over my shoulder.“But you’re buying my milkshakes afterwards.”I wink, getting him to crack a sexy, shy smile that warms my icy heart.

This sweet, intimate moment isn’t going to last long, so I try to cherish it for as long as I can.But deep inside, my hands are itching, and I’m craving more than just drugs as we continue to stroll down memory lane.

Reaching into my bag, I pull out two pairs of black latex gloves, tossing a pair to Ash.He puts his mask on the entry table and pulls the gloves on, never taking his eyes off of mine as I put mine on as well.

“If you're chewing gum, spit it out here,” I order him, making sure there’s no room for error since I’m not working alone tonight.“And if you plan on smoking, do it on the walk there, not when we get there.”

“The more you explain, the more intriguing this whole plan of yours is,” he chuckles, but I can see the slight glimpse of nervousness in his hypnotic gaze.

“I wonder if you’ll still be this positive when we get to where we’re going, Savage.”I grin, recalling the night in the alley when I gave him that nickname, feeling the evil inside of me making me glow.

Grabbing my bag and zipping it, I walk over to Ash and stop once the tips of our shoes are touching.I reach up, cupping his bruised cheek in my gloved hand with my thumb gently swiping across his split lower lip.

“Calista, I–” he starts, but I stand on my tiptoes and press my lips against his, cutting off his words with another electric kiss, this one much slower and passionate.

He lets out a deep moan directly in my mouth as our tongues twirl effortlessly around in unison.It’s only when Ash goes to hold me and pull me against him that I break the kiss, slowly pulling away, refusing to allow myself to be swept away by the memories we share.

As much as I want his hands on me, I have to stay focused so I don’t make any mistakes that could get us both caught.But fuck, there’s plenty of time for a little fun once the job is complete, and I already have something in mind for the two of us.

“Grab your mask and a knife or gun if you have one.I have extras in my bag if you don’t.”I pat my bag, putting my hand anxiously on the doorknob, ready to go.

Patting his waistband, he grins.“Already packing, Little Psycho.”

“Good boy, now let’s get fucking going.”

TWENTY-NINE

CRAWLING

BRUISED KNEES—MANIC KAZZY

CALISTA

Acold sprinkle of rain begins to drop down on us as we walk down the eerie, desolate street, using the dull street lights and orange Halloween lights to guide our way through the dark.I smile to myself as I think how close Halloween is, and the thought of what I have planned begins to swell the anxiety inside of me.

Tonight wasn’t planned, but Halloween night is.

Tonight is about helping Ash with his trauma—some of it.It’s about showing him how to take back his power—his voice and control—even if it’s only from one monster.It’s a start.

I remember the promise I made him and the guys all those years ago—the one where I’d make whoever hurt them pay.

We pass a thick blunt back and forth during our walk, keeping conversation to a minimum mainly because neither of us knows quite what to say.

“Ash grew up into a hottie, I see.”Addy pops in randomly, making me jump at the sound of her voice.

“Yeah, he sure the fuck did,” I mumble, fully aware that Ash can hear me.

“How come you haven’t wanted me around as much lately?”she asks, sounding pitiful.

“I haven’t needed you, Addy.In case you haven’t noticed, I've been doing better than I ever have.”I smile, taking a hit and holding the smoke in my cheeks.

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