Page 203 of Deviant

With that confession still lingering on my lips, Elias grabs me by the neck and kisses me with everything he’s got.

“Good fucking answer, Roe. Good fucking answer.”

I’m watching Elias sleep from my chair when I hear a knock on the door. I get up to open it and find Abbie with a joyful grin stitched to her lips on the other side.

“Well you look happy. Please tell me that big smile is because Henry has called tomorrow’s games off?”

Her beaming smile slips at the reminder, and I kick myself for even having suggested such a thing. Of course, Henry didn’t cancel the games. Even if he had the power to do so, his employers would never allow it.

“Let me rephrase my question.” I try again. “What has you so excited?”

A little smile returns to her lips.

“Is Elias asleep?”

I turn my head over my shoulder and confirm that he is. After he woke up earlier, he used up all his energy kissing me. I told him that if he wants more than just a make out session, he’ll have to rest and heal up. Only once I’m positive he’s better will I let him ravish me like he wants.

Hence the nap.

“I think he’ll be asleep for a while.” I bite my bottom lip to prevent myself from giggling.

“Then do you think you could maybe spare thirty minutes and come to my room? I want to show you something,” she explains, jumping at the seams.

“Of course.”

“Yay! I’m so happy to hear that. Come!” she says excitedly, grabbing my hand in hers and pulling me to the hallway so fast I almost don’t have enough time to close the door behind me.

We race to her room, Abbie giggling the whole way there. When we finally reach it, she pulls me into the bathroom, where there are a variety of supplies you would only find at your local hairdresser. Combs, brushes, scissors, the works.

“What’s all this?”

“We’re going to fix that hatch job that Mackenzie did to your hair.”

“We are?” I retort honestly touched that she would have gone through all this trouble for me.

“I know it might be scary to put your hair in my hands, but I’ve been cutting most of my family’s hair for years. I know what I’m doing. You’re just going to have to trust me.”

“Where should I sit?” I ask, having the upmost faith in her capabilities.

And for the next half hour, Abbie works her magic on my hair creating an elegant and sophisticated cut that accentuates my face perfectly.

“I don’t even recognize the girl staring back at me,” I stammer in astonishment of the incredible job Abbie did on my hair.

“I’m glad you like it.” She blushes. “I can’t wait until Mackenzie sees it. She’ll be furious to see that her plan to dampen your glow backfired on her. Don’t get me wrong, I loved your long hair. But this hairstyle looks absolutely stunning on you.”

I get up from the chair and hug Abbie tightly.

“You’re such a good friend, Abbie. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

“I’m just glad I could help.”

“Well you did,” I reply joyfully. “I mean look at her,” I point to the woman in the mirror looking back at me. “She looks like she could kick Mackenzie’s ass any day of the week!”

“Yes, she does!” Abbie squeals.

And as we look at each other’s reflections, we see a hint of sadness in our eyes.

Because this moment feels incomplete without Harper in it.

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