Page 172 of Unspoken Truths

Unfortunately, Carlysle Prep did throw a fit about my refusing to return to school, but Emil told me there wasn’t much they could do. The school has a clause for virtual school, even if they’re not supplying the classwork.

Emil explained to Headmaster Cooper that all grades and work would be submitted as I complete it, which is above and beyond what I’ve been doing. He told me that my backpack and cell phone couldn’t be recovered, so he bought me a new one.

It doesn’t really matter since I’m either at home doing schoolwork or with Lili and Nacio at home. I’m honestly beginning to get stir crazy. This is the first time I’ve really left the house since the incident, and only because I haven’t felt comfortable leaving because of my lack of hair.

TheDarkest Nightsis my absolute favorite band. I’m not missing it due to my insecurity about my hair.

Blowing out a breath, I look down at my fishnet stockings with skulls on them, black leather skirt, and long sleeved mesh shirt over a tank top. I did my make up tastefully with maroon lips and a brown smokey eye. Pulling on my knee high flat boots, I decide I’m ready to go. I’m wearing the bracelet Lili gave me too, which is the only nod to jewelry I have. It’s not something I wear very often.

A knock at the door pulls me away from agonizing about what I look like. I’m just going to sing my heart out to their songs. Walking over to open the door, I find Nacio and his dropped jaw on the other side.

“Um,” he says, his eyes moving over me greedily. “One second, baby.”

Pulling out his phone, he texts someone quickly. Rolling my eyes, I brace my hands on the doorway, knowing he’s messaging Lili something. The three of us have become thick as thieves, and I love the progression of our relationship. Lili and I still haven’t had sex with him.

I’m nervous about the entire thing. What if I’m bad at it? What if I freak out?

Not being at school anymore has been really good for my mental health, and it’s easier for me to work through any issues I might have because I’m not seeing the ones who cause them. Theo, Jared, and Elijah aren’t good for me in any capacity.

“What are you texting Lili about?” I ask, exasperated even as I laugh.

“I’ll tell you after you pose and smile for me,” he murmurs, smirking as he takes a photo when I do.

I’ve been taking a lot more pictures with them. They’re just for us, since Lili and Nacio still have to go to school with the Kings. Apparently, they’re pretty pissed off that their play toy is no longer accessible. At least they’re not bothering Lili over it much.

It’s only a matter of time before they disturb my peace, though. October thirty-first is creeping closer with every day. I don’t know how far the guys will go to make their deadline to kill me.

“Ugh, just as I thought. She told me I can’t tie you to my bed and refuse to let you go,” Nacio says, pulling me out of my thoughts. At my bewildered look, he smirks. “You’re so beautiful, I’m rethinking this concert.”

Sticking out my tongue, I laugh when he wraps his arms around me and kisses me, careful not to mess up my lipstick.

“Have fun tonight,” he murmurs against my lips. “Are you going to practice driving?”

“That’s what Mom suggested,” I tell him. “I need to get some more nighttime driving in.”

Lili and Nacio helped me study for the exam to get my learners permit, and then the mechanics of it. Emil or Mom drove with me around the block, and we slowly expanded farther out as I got more comfortable. It’s the only time I’ve left the house outside of my runs.

It’s helped keep me from climbing the walls.

“Good,” he says. “You have everything you need?”

Turning, I grab my black crossbody purse for my lipstick and phone. It’s tiny, only big enough for those two things.

“Now I do,” I confirm, taking his hand as we walk. It’s clear we’re dating, especially after the conversation we all had after Nacio shaved the rest of my head.

“What did Lili say about my outfit?” I ask. I didn’t have a chance to send her a photo before he knocked to show her, so I want to know.

“She said that you look gorgeous, and that she doesn’t think you need to be kidnapped by me to keep you safe,” he says, his lip pushed out in a fake pout.

“Poor baby didn’t get his way,” I tease him.

“No, but she said she’d be over after the concert to remind you of who you belong to,” he says, shrugging.

“Even though it’s a Tuesday night?” I ask, surprised.

“It’s not the first time,” he reminds me.

My stomach flip flops at his words, and I almost miss the last step, much to his amusement.

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