Page 24 of Splintered Hearts

Not waiting for Noah’s goodbye, I stalk to the back door, barely noticing the looks around me. It’s like a neon sign blaring ahead. Xavier is not taking her shit.

No one is.

Seven

Noah

Jamie left nearly an hour ago—and is still noticeably missing—and I’m thinking about our conversation and his offer while everyone eats. A couple of other people have also left, and it’s getting late.

Where did he go?

The house is very cute, and the inside is a nice size. This could be a fresh start for me. The rent’s cheap, it’s close to Mark, and downtown’s within walking distance if I want to get a job there.

I could easily make it for a while without finding a job. It wouldn’t be ideal, but it would be possible. A wave of hope fills me.

“I love your sweater. Can I feel it?” Bri smiles. She’s gorgeous, with warm brown skin and curves in abundance. Her purple and pink ombre box braids are pulled up into cute pigtails on top of her head, and she’s wearing a tiara, naturally. It gleams under the porch lights. Her eyes have contacts that make them look like yellow cat eyes. Like Xavier, she has shimmering scales down her temples, though hers are blueish. “I’m reading this book with dragons, and I just had to do this.”

And a reader. Hello, new bestie. “It’s stunning.” I hold out my sweater and she beams. “Go ahead.”

She touches it lightly as her eyes study the cloth. “It feels so soft. Where did you get it?”

“A boutique downtown.”

“Maileen’s?”

“I think that was the name.”

“She always finds the cutest stuff. I love her store, and if you’re a frequent customer, she’ll start buying things she thinks you’ll like. She carries bigger sizes, too, that are actually cute. She’s amazing.”

“Noah.” I squeeze her hand.

“Brianna.” She inspects my face. “You have the prettiest green eyes. I have a stunning top I designed that would look great on you. It’s giving Fae Prince of the Fall Court vibes.”

“All her clothes have a huge issue.” Xavi shakes his head.

Leaning into me, she whispers. “Too much cleavage.”

“There’s such a thing?”

“That’s what I said! Next time I go out, I’m taking you with me.”

“The horror.” I laugh.

“You have no idea what you’ll be signing up for.” Xavier shakes his head, but I see the light in his eyes as he looks at her.

Boy has it bad.

“Ignore him. I do.” She sticks her tongue out at him. “Let me have your number.”

“My phone is off right now. I’m trying to get a new service. My number may change.”

“Mark has my number. Just text me when you get it back on.”

“I will.” While I’m loving this so much, I still wonder where Jamie went. I want to see him before I leave. “Where’s the bathroom?”

“That hallway in the living room. Last door on the right.”

“Thank you.” As I get up, Mark’s eyes snap to my movements. “Relax, I’m going to pee. It’s not like I’m going to suck someone’s dick in the bathroom!” I hiss.

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