Page 87 of Wicked Little Nightmare

She laughed, “Like a bomb in her head, Cam? Really? I think you’re watching too many movies.”

I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. "Fine, you're right. I'm being paranoid." I said through gritted teeth. “I’ve just seen someone outside the building for the last few days and it’s tripping me out.”

Her face lost its smirk. “Yeah, and you wanted to get pissed at me for not being honest about something I didn’t know about? You didn’t tell me we’re being stalked? What the actual hell.”

“I didn’t tell you because I thought it was nothing but now…” I trailed off, not finishing the thought.

“Now, what? Do you think they know about Rose?” Lakey asked, concern causing the blood to drain from her face. “Are they coming for us?”

I shook my head. "I don't know Lakes, but we need to be careful, okay? Both of us."

She nodded once in agreement before turning on her heel and walking back into the main room, leaving me standing there alone with my thoughts.

Grabbing the kit, I headed back out, ready to give Rose her first lesson in stealing a car.

We decided to let her try on the piece I stole a while ago. The girls followed me out to the abandoned gas station where I was stashing it. We sat inside and I popped boards open, gesturing for Rose to come closer.

"Alright, kiddo," I said. "Pay attention. This might save your ass one day."

Rose leaned in, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and nervousness. Lakey perched on a nearby bench, swinging her legs like a kid at a carnival.

"First thing's first," I began, reaching under the dash. "You gotta expose the ignition wires. Like this."

I yanked, and a tangle of colorful wires spilled out. Rose's brow furrowed in concentration.

"Now, the tricky part," I continued, feeling a strange sense of pride at her attentiveness. "You gotta find the right wires to spark. Come, you figure it out."

Rose reached in hesitantly, her fingers fumbling with the wires. I couldn't help but chuckle as she tangled herself up, looking more like she was trying to knit a sweater than hotwire a car.

"Easy there, butterfingers," I teased, guiding her hands. "Red to yellow, then touch the brown. Like this."

The engine sputtered to life, and Rose's face lit up like a damn Christmas tree. I felt my chest tighten in a way I wasn't used to.

"Holy shit!" she exclaimed. "I did it!"

Lakey's laughter rang out, as she rushed over to clap Rose on the back. "Look at you, little Rose. A regular criminal mastermind in the making."

“Good. Again.” I made her do it over and over, until she could almost do it blindfolded.

As we headed back to the apartment, I couldn't help but notice the spring in Rose's step. She was chattering away, hands gesticulating wildly as she recounted her triumph over and over. I had to admit that she got the hang of that pretty fast. Much faster than I thought she would. A natural.

"Did you see how fast I got it started?" Rose gushed. "I mean, after the whole wire-spaghetti situation."

I snorted, ruffling her hair. "Yeah, yeah, don't get cocky, kid. You've still got a lot to learn."

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across our living room. I sprawled on the couch, one arm draped lazily over Lakey's shoulders. She was curled up against me, running her fingers over my chest and into the stubble growingacross my chin, before trailing them downwards again. I loved the way it felt over my skin, giving me goosebumps as she went.

"So, what's next, my little psycho?" I murmured, my hands tangling in her hair. "Time to raise some hell?"

Her blue eyes met mine, a mix of mischief and hesitation swirling in their depths. "Can't we just... enjoy this for a bit longer? It's nice, playing house."

I snorted. "Playing house? Christ, Lakey, we're not exactly the Brundy Bunch."

"No shit, Sherlock. Also, I don’t think that’s their name. Brundy sounds fucking weird," she retorted, rolling her eyes. "But it's... different. Peaceful."

I felt a twinge of restlessness crawl under my skin. "Peace is overrated, babe. We've got work to do."

Before Lakey could respond, Rose shuffled into the room, looking like she'd seen a ghost. Her eyes were wide, darting between us nervously.

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