Page 72 of Séance

It doesn’t take long for us to be measured. Monica checks her phone, then nods. “We have your catalog pieces in stock, and our sister store carries the rings. It will take four hours, or we could have them delivered to you tomorrow.”

My brows rise at the offer for delivery, and I gulp at what she must have spent on us if they are offering that option. Rue glances at me in question, but James answers before I can speak. “We’ll pick them up later today.”

After signing the receipt, Rue collects her card, and I swallow hard when I see the cost is more than I paid for my bike. As we head outside, I shove my hands into my pockets to keep from grabbing her. “I’ll pay you back for the rings.” My voice is gruff, and I don’t dare look at her.

I almost slam into her when she steps in front of me and slaps her hand against my chest. My eyes immediately drop to hers, and my eyebrows shoot up when I see she’s pissed.

“No, it’s a gift. You don’t get to devalue it by trying to pay for it.” Her teal eyes sparkle in the sunlight, and I don’t have the heart to deny her anything, even if it rubs me the wrong way to let her spend so much on me.

“Okay.” My voice is low and soothing, a silent apology, and I hunch my shoulders slightly when her eyes narrow. “You have my word that I won’t try to pay you back.”

Her anger slowly eases, and she gives a firm nod.

“Why don’t we walk around for a bit?” Gunner suggests, breaking the tension.

Rue nods in agreement, and we all fall into step around her. Gunner and I naturally fall back, taking up positions in the rear to stand as guard, while James takes his spot at her side.

It’s only then that I notice James is quiet, his hands shoved in his pockets. He watches the ground as we walk, and I can practically feel misery radiating from him. My gut clenches at the thought of him unleashing that mayhem on unexpecting people.

I open my mouth to speak but stop when Rue slips her hand around his elbow and leans her head against his shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

James shrugs, not talking for a moment as he collects his thoughts. “Why did you buy me something?”

He sounds so lost that the back of my throat burns. I’m so used to his antics that I sometimes forget he feels things more than most. He isn’t used to kindness or soft words or something as simple as presents.

They throw him into a tailspin.

If he isn’t handled carefully, complete and utter madness will reign.

Rue doesn’t brush off the question but answers thoughtfully. “Do I need a reason to buy you something?” Her tone is light, but the scowl on James’ face only deepens, his pale blue eyes almost completely white as he struggles with his emotions.

Rue doesn’t look at him as she stares blankly ahead. “Truthfully? A couple of reasons. I’ve never bought a present for anyone before. I never had anyone I cared about enough to even buy one. I kind of liked how it made me feel. It’s a memory that I get to keep forever, if that makes any sense.”

James slowly nods, like he understands her reasoning. After a moment, he peers at her, a tiny hint of a smile on his face. “And the other reason?”

“I’m experimenting on your brother,” she mock-whispers in a conspiratorial tone, hugging his arm tighter as she snuggles against him. “I didn’t get you something as an afterthought. I wanted to get a little something for everyone.” She bumps his shoulder with a laugh, then her nose crinkles and her tone turns slightly begrudging. “Even Hicks.”

She winks up at him, a teasing smile on her face. “I’m a very dangerous woman. If you guys are determined to hang out with me, then you each need protection.”

Her gaze catches on something across the street, then her eyes widen in delight. A moment later, she’s dragging James across the road…right into a tattoo shop.

And I suddenly know what I want to get her.

I’m not sure if I’m more intrigued or turned on by the idea of her wearing my ink, something that can never be removed or forgotten. It’s the perfect way to mark my claim.

Now, I just have to find a design to decorate her gorgeous milky smooth skin.

Something in black and gray so it stands out more.

Something that says mine.

Chapter Twenty-three

GUNNER

Istifle my chuckle as the tiny, pink-haired, very girlie Rue drags three big ass men into the tattoo shop. A smile breaks free from Dustin when he sees us entering. He opens his mouth to speak but seems to lose his voice when he catches sight of Rue.

She’s practically dancing in place when she reaches the counter, and it’s the cutest fucking shit I’ve ever seen. Jace barely represses his own smile, the anal-retentive bastard.

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