Page 107 of Séance

“We must rescue Princess Pookie!” Jameson jumps on the couch, running across the cushions and launching himself at Gunner. Jaceson, with a rare smile on his face, is only a second behind as he skids across the floor and takes the big man out at the knees.

The three of them go down in a tangle of arms and legs, quickly followed by an explosion of feathers as a few pillows meet their ends. I’m left plucking feathers from my hair, a wide grin on my face as I survey the mess and loving every minute of it.

After Gunner is subdued with much swearing, they climb to their feet, their deflated pillows hanging at their sides. Gunnerand Jaceson wince when they get a look at the mess, and even Jameson has the sense to look remorseful.

“Oops,” Jameson mutters, avoiding my gaze as he does his best to capture as many feathers as possible, as if he can hide the results of the massacre.

I touch his arm lightly, a smile in my voice when I speak. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll just explain to Nan that the pillows died valiantly in battle. I’m sure she will understand, especially if I order replacements before she returns.”

He turns toward me cautiously, only relaxing when he sees that I’m not mad. “Why don’t you get ready for the party? Jace and I will clean up the mess, while Gunner—the defeated—can create a feast for the conquering heroes?”

While Jaceson snorts, Jameson just grins as if proud of himself, and Gunner heaves a heavy sigh, though I don’t miss the small smile on his face as he turns away. They don’t even wait for me to agree before starting their tasks. I watch for a minute longer, unable to remember a time in my life when I’ve ever been so happy. With that warmth in my chest, I practically float up the stairs as I try to figure out if I have anything to wear to a party.

I want to put on something nice, because as much as I don’t want to be around other people, I don’t want to waste a second, not when I can spend it with the guys.

Chapter Thirty-four

RUE

Istand in front of the mirror, wearing one of the few dresses I own, debating if I should switch back to jeans. I’ve never been to a party that didn’t require full evening gown attire. Father would either dress me slutty or demure, depending on what role he wanted me to play for the occasion.

Thankfully, he never fully pimped me out, but if I stayed, I have no doubt it was only a matter of time. Once I turned eighteen, I would be fair game.

The dress wraps around my waist, clinging to my body, before reaching up to cup my breasts like it was made specifically for me. I’m not worried about the girls falling out or shaking free, the material molding to me in a way that I’m lucky I can still breathe. The bodice covers nearly every inch of exposed flesh, revealing only a hint of cleavage.

No straps are needed, leaving my shoulders bare. My curls lightly brush my shoulders like they are playing hide-and-seek with my pale skin. The skirt flares out at my waist, stopping a couple of inches below my knees, the thick materialswishing and swirling around me as I walk. A practice twirl has the material flaring out elegantly without exposing anything inappropriate.

The dress is a perfect combination of sexy and innocent.

The cut near my hairline is scabbed over, so I pull out the stitches, then do my best to mimic how Jameson did my makeup. I don’t quite succeed, but I don’t resemble a clown either, so I call that a win. Only a hint of bruising remains, and it’s only visible if you are looking for them.

With a deep breath, I pull my shoulders back and head down the stairs. I expected the boys to leave to get ready for the party, so when I walk into the living room and see them seated around the room, reading the occult books, I stop short on the bottom step and watch them in silent appreciation.

Jameson sees me first, almost like he has a sixth sense whenever I’m near. He glances up, then just sort of freezes. His eyes are wide as he stares at me, his mouth parted, and it’s not until his book slips from his lap and thumps to the floor that the spell breaks.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispers with a breath of air, awe in his voice as he rises from his seat and steps toward me.

I relax at his comment, warmth heating my cheeks. Needing a second to get myself under control, I do a small twirl for him, then curtsy, peering up at him from under my lashes. “Do you like?”

“Fuck me,” Gunner whispers under his breath, then he clears his throat when I look at him and straighten. “I change my mind. I think we should stay home.”

Jaceson nods in agreement, rising to his feet as well, never once looking away as he stalks toward me. Eyes latched onto mine, he captures my hand and brings it to his lips, reverently kissing the back. “You look ravishing.”

My entire body heats at his husky tone, my dress suddenly feeling too tight. I wish his hands were touching me and holding me close instead of the dress.

Staying home is sounding better and better.

I don’t realize I spoke out loud until Jameson body checks Jaceson away from me with a fierce scowl, then he stands in front of me as if to keep the others away. He turns to face them, wagging a finger as he scolds them. “No way! Pookie dressed up nice and pretty for us. I want to show her off…”

I can’t resist the urge to step closer and hug him from behind.

His words trail off, like he forgot what he was saying, then he wiggles out of my hold, shaking his head as he whirls on me. “Bad pookie. Stop trying to distract me.” He cups my face, his thumbs brushing along my cheeks. “You’ve never been to a house party. I don’t want you to miss out on experiences because of us.”

My insides turn to mush at his compulsive need to take care of me by slowly replacing memories of my horrible childhood with happier times. I place my hands on his chest, able to feel his heart hammering against his ribs. “You and the guys are more than enough excitement for me. Don’t push yourself to do something you don’t want just because you think I might enjoy it.”

His face scrunches up adorably as he looks down at me. “Isn’t that what dating is supposed to be like? I’ve never really dated anyone before, but I thought we were both supposed to do things with each other to see what we enjoy.”

He glances over at the guys, as if seeking confirmation, and my heart wobbles precariously in my chest. “You’ve dated plenty.”

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