Page 110 of Of Flesh & Bone

"It's my emotional support fact.If that chicken can live through decapitation, I can live through this."

Both women are still laughing when we hear a loudKNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCKat the front door.Ada lets out a squeal as she does another body shimmy."That'll be our Cal Ashford-drawn carriage."

It's time.Am I even ready for this?That's a stupid question.Of course, I'm not ready for this, but the chicken lived, and so will I.Survivors.The chicken and I.

CHAPTER 35

Adam

My job is done.

I opted for planning and prep when jobs were being doled out so that I could enjoy the banquet with my girls and leave when I decide I've been here a socially acceptable amount of time.Thoughts of Eve have kept me in a perpetual state of semi-hardness all day, and I'm not going to stay at this thing any longer than necessary.That will only serve to keep me from getting Eve home and into my bed where she belongs.

I receive a text from Cal and head back toward the grand hall to greet them at the door.There are more people in here than there should be.Whoever is supposed to keep people moving into the ballroom isn't doing their job.Jackasses.People move out of my way as I walk toward the large, ornate double doors.I don't say anything, and I never have to.People just instinctively don't want to be in my path.I'm almost to the doors when I see them walk in.

I see Cal first because the guy's Mount Everest.Then, Ace, on his left arm, in a short white dress.Too short.This girl lives to piss me off.I'm working up an impressive scowl when a woman moves out of the way, and I see Eve on Cal's right arm.She's wearing a short black dress with long sleeves.It's molded to her every curve andfuck has she got the curves.Her dress isn't any longer than Ace's and I instantly know that she didn't pick it out.Her gorgeous chestnut hair is down and styled in large waves.She's wearing makeup.I've never seen her wear makeup.Ace did this too.She's stacking up the reasons why I will be pissed at her until further notice.

I finally catch Eve's eye, and she smiles.Relieved to see ME.That feels so damn good.I'm not sure how someone like me can be a relief to anyone, but it feels good to be her safe place.Eve drops Cal's arm and takes a step toward me before Cal reaches out and grabs her, pulling her back to him.He whispers something in her ear, and she points to me, saying something I'm still too far away to hear.Manchester Hall is where all of Eden University's campus events are held.It's enormous.Even the foyer is large enough to lose a person.Cal looks up and sees me, then gives me a wink and releases Eve.

We're walking toward one another, and once I reach her, I pull her into me, breathing her in.Honey and jasmine.I'll never tire of this scent.

"I've missed you."

She laughs softly into my chest."You saw me this morning."

Keeping hold of her, I pull back to look her in the eyes."Are you saying that you haven't missed me?"

"I've missed you, sweetie."

I quirk a brow at her."Sweetie?"

"I'm still working out the endearment kinks.It's a no on the sweetie?"

I nuzzle her jaw and nip her neck."You already know there's nothing sweet about me."

"Mmmm yeah.True."She's breathless.I make her that way.I can make her tremble just with my words.I can make her crumble with just my touch.

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