Page 105 of Magic or Madness

“Birthday sex games?” I ask sheepishly, and he nods, that confidence radiating off him that I love so much.

“My Goddess deserves nothing but the best today.” He reaches for the Athena necklace dangling off my neck, pressing the pad of his thumb against the coin.

“What’s in store for the rest of the day then?” I muse, but he’s a closed book, not even giving me a single clue.

“Nice try, Bambi. For now, all you need to do is take a relaxing shower, and get yourself ready to go out.”

I don’t argue, or ask for more information, his lips are sealed, and I’m slowly coming around to the idea of being spoiled, at least for today.

It’s already late afternoon, and even though I slept the morning away, I couldn’t be happier.

Ringing in my birthday with my best friends was the craziest way to celebrate, as it’s never been a big day for me before, but I never want this feeling to fade. I think belonging to a family is the greatest gift I could’ve ever received, and something I’ll never take for granted.

“Birthday girl! Get yourself ready and make sure you look hot tonight!” Cami cheers, leaving the bathroom and pressing her body against mine in the narrow hallway.

“I’ll do my best.” I vow, letting her hand linger on my ass while I twirl a few damp strands of her hair around my finger, our faces inches apart.

“Find me later, when you need a break from Ozzy. I have something for you,” she breathes, turning on her heel, and walking away before I have a chance to process what happened.

Our connection hasn’t wavered since Jacksonville, but I purposely have kept my distance, terrified of taking things any further than flirting. Something about being with anyone other than Ozzy makes me panic like I’d lose him, even though he’s assured me that would never be the case.

Curiosity kills the cat, though, right?

I shake off the Cami thoughts and set the shower as high as it can go, lighting the candles set out and finding the perfect playlist to relax with.

I can always get down to a classic hip hop anthem, letting the bass drown through the speakers as the steam swirls around the mirror, fogging the small room almost instantly.

I take my time, enjoying the peace and quiet as the water cascades my skin, and no one is rushing me to get out.

The thing about living with seven other people is the lack of privacy, and it drives me insane. I love them all, and this home we built, but sometimes a girl could use an hour to shower, without interruptions.

Maybe being the center of attention for the day has its perks, after all.

I still have no idea where we’re going, or what we’re doing tonight, but after my shower, I spend a considerable amount of time on my hair, clothes, and makeup, finally ready by the deadline shouted at me throughout the last hour.

Finally, I give myself a last once over in the mirror, feeling satisfied by my choices.

I opt for a teeny tiny black miniskirt, paired with a white v-neck long-sleeve shirt that leaves little to the imagination and hugs my curves perfectly. My black tights and mid-calf boots complete the look, and I pinned my hair into a loose ponytail, abandoning the curls for tonight.

Overall, I feel fucking hot, especially with the Athena necklace shimmering against my chest, reminding me of the power I carry within me.

“Fallon, let’s go!” I hear from the living room, and I take a deep breath, ready for whatever this night has in store.

I grab my purse, strutting out of the room feeling like a million bucks, and when Ozzy’s eyes land on me, I feel butterflies soaring through my belly.

It’s a bit much for my taste, but you only turn twenty-one once, and after all he’s done for me already today, I think he deserves a little show.

“Fuuuuck, Bambi. How many assholes do you think I can fight at once?” He groans, raking his hands through his curls, and my eyes are locked on his while my heels click against the tiled floor.

“I’d like to see,” I whisper as his arms latch around my waist, his big brown eyes never wavering from mine.

“I’m a mere mortal, in the presence of a true Goddess,” he says in my ear, sending prickles of heat throughout my body.

Someone clears their throat in the main room, and I’m reminded that we’re not the only ones here, breaking our embrace apart to rejoin reality.

Ozzy’s arm falls into place over my shoulder, and I lean into him, feeling on top of the world on my big day.

“You look so beautiful, Fallon. Happy birthday!” Pepper squeals, handing me a bouquet of lilac-colored roses.

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