Page 120 of Half Dead

“When was the last time you wore them?”

Nana Pratt considered the question. “You know, it’s beenso long that I don’t remember.” She looked troubled by her admission. “Ashley has them now. Next time I see her, I’ll tell her to make sure she wears them, and not to wait for a good reason. Being alive is good enough.”

“I don’t have pearl earrings.”

“No, but you have a dress. Wear it with those heels Aite left behind. You’re only young once.” She hesitated. “Well, in your case, twice and for a very long time, but still.”

I held up a hand. “You’ve convinced me. I’ll wear a dress.”

“And a bit of makeup wouldn’t kill you.”

I rolled my eyes. “Let’s not go crazy. It’s only brunch at Otto’s.”

“Just because he’s blind doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort.”

My head snapped back. “That isn’t what I meant at all! You know me better than that.”

Nana Pratt snickered. “You should’ve seen your face. Priceless.”

I marched past her and jerked open the closet door. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to begin the beautification process and we both know this will take time.”

The ghost whooshed away, still tittering to herself. I was glad one of us was amused.

I changed out of my comfy clothes and slipped a dress over my head. The material was softer than it appeared; I felt like I’d wrapped my body in a cloud. I pulled back the sides of my hair and fastened them with pins that had belonged to my grandmother. The ends featured butterflies made of porcelain. I’d seen her wear them only once, when she and Pops had gone out for an anniversary dinner. I still remembered the scent of her perfume from that night, both floral and earthy. Peach, rose, sandalwood, and musk.

I’d never worn the pins, only intending to have them as a tiny keepsake that I could carry with me whenever I moved.A couple coveted items had been stolen when I was a foster kid, but the pins were small and old-fashioned, and therefore, easily overlooked. I was grateful to have them now.

I turned my head left and right, admiring the butterflies in the mirror. They were as beautiful and delicate as I remembered.

Kane appeared behind me in the mirror’s reflection. “Exquisite.”

My heart jumped. “I didn’t realize you were here.”

“The downside of giving me carte blanche to come and go as I please.” He slid his arms around the front of my waist. “And I definitely please.” As his hands dipped lower, I grabbed them and lifted them to a respectable position.

“I just got dressed and I don’t want to have to do it again.”

“Ever? The dress is nice, but I doubt it would be comfortable for sleeping.”

I smacked his hands away and turned to face him. “Did you meet Goran?”

“Yes, and he now has a very nice suit.” He smirked. “Another prince in your life. Should I be jealous?”

I hooked my arms around his neck. “Of the water spirit whose diet consisted of flies and earthworms until yesterday? I don’t think so.”

“If he’s living here, it might be the ideal time for you to move in with me.”

“We’re tabling that topic for now, remember?” The small of my back pressed against the sink. “This is cozy.”

He huddled closer. “I can make it even cozier.”

The sound of a throat clearing interrupted an act that would’ve made us late for brunch. The mannered part of me was grateful; the primal part of me was not.

Goran stood in the bedroom doorway, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot. “Sorry to interrupt. What time do we need to leave?”

“Now,” I said. “Let’s go.” I brushed past him, tugging Kane’s hand.

“Is she always this bossy?” Goran asked.

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