Page 16 of Aftershock's Fury

“I’ve never been kissed like that before.”

“What? Girl,” she says, dragging out the word. “I’ve gotta admit, I’ve never been kissed like that either.” We both laugh as Oly comes from the back with a cupcake in her hand.

“I hungry, Momma.”

“Nope. You need real lunch. Come on.” Marnie picks her up and heads to the back to make her a grilled cheese sandwich.

I ask for one too, using her fresh bread, before I have to head to class. Instead, she surprises me with a croque monsieur, a French-style grilled cheese. The sandwich is layered with two types of cheese, ham, and creamy béchamel sauce. It’s ooey, gooey, and I love it.

Fezzik is stretched out on the floor by the back door.

In the two weeks since I started working here, I’ve fallen for Marnie and Olympia. They moved to Alaska a couple of months ago, but Marnie won’t tell me where they lived before. She is sweet and kind, and she even lets me bring Fezzik to work. I’ve offered to babysit so she can go out on dates, but she won’t take me up on it. She is asked out more than I am, and she always tells them she’s flattered but not interested.

After I eat and wipe down the tables, I walk back and clock out. “I’ll be back at five to help you close.”

“You know you don’t have to do that.” Marnie moves to the large decorating table and stands next to Oly, who is playing with her kid’s baking set.

“I do. You’re my friend. I want to help you.” I shrug as I open the door and take Fezzik’s harness.

I head to the University of Alaska Mat-Su Campus. I need to take a couple of writing classes, and they’re requiring a speech course to cover a couple of credits that didn’t transfer over.

Istep out of the shower and open the door a sliver to make sure I’m still alone. I just got home from helping Marnie close. I’ve been trying to talk Rylan into letting me find my own apartment, but he insists I’m not taking up any space and it’s better for me to stay with him. I want my own privacy, though.

When I don’t hear anyone, I head down the hall with only a towel wrapped around my body and another around my hair.

“Are you trying to get me killed?” a male voice says, and I scream as I grip my towel and yell for Fezzik.

“It’s me Sparky,” the gravelly voice says, and I turn to look over my shoulder.

“Fuck. Why didn’t you make noise so I knew you were here? I would have told you to turn away.”

“Princess, I just got here. I’m only here until Loki gets done with his job or Kodiak shows up.”

“You know Rylan won’t kill you for seeing me. He’ll just punch you for holding a conversation with me while I drip and stand in a towel.” I laugh.

“I’m not scared of Prez hitting me. I’m scared of Aftershock finding out and killing me. They’d never find my body, and my momma would hate that.” He moves to the sofa and sits down. “But I’ve gotta say, nice legs, Princess.”

“Fuck off.” I turn and head for my bedroom.

“The ass holding those stems is pretty sweet too. Shock is a lucky fucker. Nice tattoo.”

“I’m going to tell him if you don’t shut up.”

I got the tattoo recently, and most people will never see it.

He grabs his chest. “You’re hurting my feelings, Princess.”

I slam my door closed, cutting off the sound of him chuckling, and get dressed for dinner with Loki.

When I come out next, I’m wearing a white lacy skort romper. The sheer sleeves and deep V-cut front expose just enough cleavage, and the style of my bra makes it look like I’m not wearing one at all. A gold necklace Daddy gave me twists and rests between my breasts. I finish the look with black knee-high boots, the heels clicking as I step out the door.

My hair is down in loose waves, with a French braid running down one side. I stop at the bathroom to check myself out in the mirror. Yep. I look good.

Loki thinks he’s the only one who can play jokes. I’m going to get the final laugh tonight.

I step into the living room, and every eye turns to me. Sparky and Loki are here, along with Gunny, Wing, and Icarus. Gunny and I have become friends, bonding over conversations about PTSD and how Fezzik helps me cope.

“What the fuck are you wearing, Princess.” Icarus shakes his head and groans.

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