Page 40 of Theirs to Rule

The guy and his friends left without buying coffee, and soon the coffee shop was filled with whispers of Bianca's badassery. When she strolled back to our table and sat down, I was still stunned. "That was something," I managed to say.

Bianca flashed me a grin, the adrenaline of the encounter still bright in her eyes. "Just another day at Crimsonvale," she quipped.

As the last sips of our coffee disappeared, I said, "You were saying...about what you told me at the hospital..."

Bianca nodded then looked around. "Later. I shouldn't have brought it up here." She studied me for a moment. "I assume you don't want to talk about Kage anymore."

"No. Given everything we're both dealing with already, let's talk about something utterly boring."

She looked like she was going to deny my request and push me, but instead she shrugged. “Boring like the room you’re decorating for the Halloween progressive party? Only if you recruit me to help.”

My eyes widened. “You want to help? I mean, I’d love that. You're exactly the kind of energy I need. I just didn’t think you’d be interested.”

“I’m not, silly. But I fucked up and I want to spend some quality time with my sister. If she’ll have me.”

Grinning, I said, "Alright, let's do it. But if we're going to make this happen, we need supplies. Shopping spree?"

And just like that, we found ourselves heading to some stores and picking up bits and pieces for the party. It felt good, laughing and joking with Bianca. We debated over decorations, lighting, and even sound effects, each of us bringing our own ideas to the table. It was like we were kids again, spinning a ridiculous fantasy out of my planned room theme.

"This is going to be epic," Bianca said, tossing more supplies into the car.

"I can't believe how much I've missed this," I admitted as we checked out.

"Missed what? Spending money?" Bianca teased, nudging me with her elbow.

"Missedus.”

We headed to a clothing store next. Something about Bianca wanting a dress to match a new pair of shoes. "So, what are you thinking? Going solo, or do you dare venture into the dangerous waters of couple costumes? I know you don’t want to talk about them, but Kage, Ty, and Dante... They could provide some serious eye candy for your room. Quartet, triple, couples... The possibilities are endless."

She threw out ideas ranging from the outrageous to the downright hilarious. “You don’t even have to stick to the theme for costumes. You guys could do a mean Goldilocks and the three bears,” Bianca cackled.

“Even if things were good between all of us, I doubt they’d dress up for Halloween. They hardly seem the type.”

“Yeah, well you never know. Maybe they’ll surprise you.” She pulled a dress off the rack and held it against herself. I wasn't thefashion maven she was, but I wrinkled my nose and shook my head. She put it back.

“Trust me," I said, "they surprise me on a daily basis, but Halloween costumes would be the least of it. No, I don’t want them involved in this. This is supposed to be my escape just as much as my creative outlet. And the guys…” I smiled sadly and shook my head. “They’re the ones I need to escape most.”

“Hmm,” Bianca said. “Alright, Cami. Forget I even mentioned group costumes.”

“Done. What about you? Who are you going as?”

“I’m not sure.” She pulled a short, black dress off the rack and studied it thoughtfully. “I’m still considering my options. Maybe someone batshit crazy, so people take the hint and get off my back about dropping down two tiers.”

“Batshit crazy, huh? So, you’re going as yourself, then?”

“Watch it, squirt. I’m not above teaching you a lesson or two,” Bianca joked. “Although from what I suspect, those boys must have ‘lessons’ well-covered. But you want nothing to do with them. Dante, too?”

My gaze dropped to the ground. “More like I did something that pissed him off. But it’s probably for the best, right? I’m sure it’s hard for you to even imagine me juggling three guys.” I forced a laugh, but Bianca just shook her head.

“I think you can do anything you want to do, Camille, with splendid results.”

I swallowed hard and took her hand. “I hated it when you were gone.”

“I hated it too, Cami. And the last thing I want is to have distance between us again, but have you thought about what I said? About leaving CU?"

I sighed. The idea of leaving had crossed my mind more than once, especially given my new resolve to separate myself from the guys. With everything that had happened, the thoughtof starting fresh somewhere else wasn't without its appeal. But as I looked at Bianca and remembered the laughter we shared today, when I thought about the missing students and yes, even my complicated relationships with Kage, Ty, and Dante, I knew I couldn't leave. Not yet.

"Yeah, I've thought about it," I admitted. "But I'm staying. I can't leave you or the others. There's too much at stake, and I want to help. I'm part of this, for better or worse."

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