Page 37 of A Twisted Gift

Chapter twelve

Raina

Erik’s conversation seems to be annoying him. It sounds like he’s talking to family, maybe? But I’m not sure.

As he paces, my gaze drifts to the counter and the bucket full of roses I saw earlier. When I was ordering, I noticed the white ones and couldn’t help but think of Erik.

I glance back at him. He’s facing away from me, rubbing at his face with his free hand. There’s no way I could ever repay him for saving me from Father, but I want him to know I’m grateful.

His wallet is still on the table, and I carefully open it up. There are a lot of cards inside, but I only have eyes for the black one he used at the register. As quietly as I can, I slide it out and tiptoe past Erik. I’d like to surprise him, and all he has to do is turn around, and he’ll know what I’m doing.

The coffee shop has emptied out, so I don’t have to wait in line. At the counter, I eye the roses. They’re all so pretty, but I want to give him the best one.

“You like them?” the woman at the register asks. “A local florist sells them here as a way to get more eyes on her business.”

“Can I have one?”

“Of course. They’re a dollar for one or ten for a dozen.”

“Just one, please. A white one.” I slide one out, examining it from its perfect white petals all the way down to its slender stem.

“All right. Your total is a dollar and six cents.”

I frown. “Six cents extra?”

“Sales tax, hon.”

Sales tax.I’m not sure I’ve ever heard that phrase before, but it’s only six extra cents, so I tap the card against the reader the way I saw Erik do. The machine makes a little ding, and then the cashier hands me a receipt.

“Thanks.” Tucking the little piece of paper in my pocket, I start moving back to our table, only to find Erik rushing toward me with a panicked look on his face. “Erik? Is everything—”

“Don’t ever do that again.” He crushes me to his chest, barely giving me enough time to stretch my arm out so he doesn’t damage the rose. “I turned around, and you were gone, and I thought—god, Raina, I thought I’d lost you again.”

“Oh. I—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“I know you’re curious, but please don’t wander—” He cuts himself off when he notices the rose in my hand. “Where’d you get that from?”

“The counter.” I nod to bucket. “You didn’t notice?”

“No. I was…”

When he doesn’t continue, all of my nerves from earlier come back. I hate being left out of things.

Too stupid.

Too naive.

What’s the point in explaining it to you?

“I was too busy watching you,” Erik confesses quietly.

Oh.The tension in my ribcage eases, and I feel myself blushing. It’s so strange, having all this attention on me. Even now, Erik’s gaze is unwavering, his brown eyes tracking my every movement.

“I… I bought it for you.” Hesitantly, I hold out the rose for him.

“It’s beautiful.” Taking it, he brings the flower to his nose and inhales, a delighted smile playing across his features. “You wanted to buy me a gift?”

“I wanted to show you how thankful I am to you. Leaving home always seemed so scary, but I feel safe with you.” More blood rushes to my cheeks as I realize how silly I’m being. A rose in exchange for everything he’s done? He left his home, his job, to move back into the house where his parents were murdered. And for what? A naive girl who he has to babysit. “I know I can’t ever repay you. I just…”

---