Page 56 of Eden's Deliverance

21

Scarlett

It’s been decided; we’re going to the party.

I’m not even worried about Broody’s menacing notes and texts, because this is about standing my ground against them. I’m with the Prince now, and there’s nothing they can do anymore to ruin that for me.

Penelope and I have already submitted our applications with updated STI tests, which seems to be required every two to three months. We’ve received our masks in the mail, but we still need to find something to wear for the occasion.

We’ve been to three different stores now, looking for the perfect dresses to match the elegant, golden-filigree masks we received for the event. Pen is hoping to find something in blue or silver to match the holiday theme.

I’ll be wearing red.

At the seventh dress department we visit, I finally find the perfect one. I wonder how many minutes it will take for the dress to be torn from my body.

It’s Christmas Eve, and Gretchen made reservations for all of us to dine out so we can relax before tomorrow’s holiday mayhem. Pen is coming with us before she goes to her parents’ house for the rest of vacation, which is why we did our shopping today.

Unfortunately, we’re running late.

That would explain why Dad and Gretchen are standing in the living room when we walk through the front door, already ravenous and raring to go. We hastily apologize and excuse ourselves up to my room to put away our shopping bags and get ready for dinner, but Satan comes down the staircase right when we start climbing it.

Fuck.How did I forget he would be here? Of course he would. It’s a holiday, and as far as I know, his mom is the only parent he spends time with.

I don’t know anything about his dad. I’ve never heard Skylar or Gretchen talk about him—not that she would anyway, with my dad being her new husband and all—but I am curious. My dad doesn’t shy away from talking about my mom’s death, but I’m not sure what else they’ve discussed.

Gretchen is nice, but damn…I miss my mom.

I wonder what she would say about my recent dilemma. Would she scold me for doing something as out-of-pocket as going to a sex club in the first place, or would she be supportive of my sexual journey?

I’d like to think it would be the latter. My mom and I were always completely honest and open with each other, and I think that was my favorite part about our relationship. Nothing was too taboo, too crazy, too personal. She was my best friend.

Skylar and I separated on Thanksgiving weekend with an awkward air stuck between us, his hostility steadily returning despite the nightly couch sleepovers. I can only hope that Julian being here means he might behave himself.

“It’s pretty inconsiderate to keep us all waiting on you, Red.”

Nope, back to his normal self.

Two can play at that game. Shoving against his shoulder, I force him out of the way so Pen and I can pass. “Stop fucking calling me that,Satan.We needed to shop for a party, and there wasn’t much time before the holiday. Not that I have to explain anything to you, so back off,” I spit.

I’ve tried being nice to him, but if he keeps pushing my buttons, we’re going to have a problem on our hands. If he wants to go right back to hating each other, I’m fine with that too.

Before we enter my room, I steal a quick glance over my shoulder, only to find him statically fixed to the spot where I left them on the stairs. He’s just staring at me, but not with the same attitude he had prior—there’s something else in his eyes. Both of their faces are washed with intrigue, like I said something amusing.

It doesn’t matter, I’m over the back and forth with Skylar. I can be mean if that’s what he’d prefer. He can go eat rocks or suck a dick for all I care.

I wonder whether Casanova and Broody have ever…

Nope, not going there. Not today. Not anymore.

Well, that was fucking weird.

The boys spent the entirety of dinner gawking at me while whispering to each other. They weren’t even subtle about it. Even now, Julian and I are on the porch having a cigarette, and he won’t stop looking at me.

I’m doing my best to hold eye contact, because I’ll be damned if I let him judge me for something Skylar did too. I thought it would stay a private matter between the two of us, but that’s clearly not the case.

“If you have something to say, just say it. Don’t stand there staring at me like a turkey in the rain.”

He tilts his head, eyeing me curiously as he brings the cigarette to his lips. “You know that’s a myth, right?” he points out, like I need it to be mansplained.

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