Page 143 of Pretty Poisoned

"That's why I wanted you, Teagan—I agree with you. And you don't have to do any of those things; you don't have to worry about being alone because you won't be."

"So, you watched me?"

He nods. "I did. I saw you first. I watched you; I wanted to know more."

"So, you're a fan…of me."

"I don't know if I'd—" I cock my head to the side. "Fine. A fan—I'm your fan."

"I want to go back now," I say. "I'm tired. I lost a lot of blood today."

"Technically, that was yesterday. You can stay if you want. Luca gets up early; we can sleep in."

I shake my head. "He can't sleep alone, and he'll worry about me. He'll be scared…he loves me."

My heart is in my throat while I wait for his response.

"Okay," he says. "I'll walk you back."

I turn away from him in an attempt to mask my disappointment. "Thanks."

We walk together out the door and down the hallway in silence.

"Good night," I tell him before quickly ducking into the room.

He stops me, grabbing me by my arm, and I gasp. "What?" I ask, the fear easily decipherable in my tone. "What do you want?"

"My favorite color is black," he says. "I've never had a pet. My first concert was Muse, and I went home and told Luca we were starting a band. I think he was like…eight or nine or some shit. And I turned twenty-six last Monday. Now, you know some things about me, too."

"What? Your birthday was last Monday, and you didn't tell anyone?"

He shrugs. "Luca knew. He knows not to tell anyone, though. I haven't enjoyed celebrating them in a long time. I'd rather it just be…last Monday."

"Well, I think I'd like to make a big deal out of mine."

"Tell River, then."

"I will."

"How does it look?" he asks.

"How does what—"

He inclines his head, indicating the bandage on my chest.

"Oh…I don't know. I haven't looked at it. I don'twantto look at it," I tell him, taking a step backward. "Riv says it's going to look angry, which I guess matches the intention."

He reaches for me, placing a hand on my cheek, and I flinch. "That wasn't my intention. I'msorry,Teagan. I don't say things I don't mean."

"I'm going to go to bed now," I tell him. "Good night."

"It's morning," he says.

"Well, I'll see you later, then."

"Bye, kitten," he says.

I turn and make my way over to the bed, relieved when I hear the door click shut softly. I curl up next to Luca and go back to sleep.

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