Page 34 of Pretend
I grab my personal belongings that I kept underneath the bar and swing themover my shoulders. I need to go home, shower, and sleep.
I don’t see Daegan anywhere anymore…he’s probably already down the street with Kane and Lopez. We have a big day tomorrow.
I send Winters a text saying I’m meeting her outside.
The walk from the bar to the front doors of El Devine isn’t long. El Devine went from blasting music and crowd chatter to silence. My shoes click on the floor with each step I take.
I reach for the door, but a large hand pulls it open first.
Dark hair, silver eyes, and a voice that has my thighs rubbing against each other. My god, Ravenmore wasn’t kidding about me not even noticing him. He really is like a quiet shadow.
“I got it.”
“Thank you,” I say, giving Mr. Hannibal a shy smile. At 5’3, this man towers over me easily. I walk outside, and I’m greeted with fresh air. Stars twinkle in the sky, and a fresh breeze makes me wish I had brought a light jacket tonight. I continue my journey to Winter’s SUV when I hear his voice again.
“Happy birthday, Valentine.”
I’m halfway down the pavement at the edge of El Devine when I stop in my tracks. I squeeze my bag tight, and my brows pinch together.
How does he know?
I pivot my foot, slowly turning around.
“How did you?—?”
“You’re my assignment. I know a lot of factual things about you. I’ve done the homework that’s required of me when your father…I mean,the Admiral,assigned you to me.” He takes a deep hit from his cigarette and blows into the dark night. It lingers into the sky, and I smile.
“Thank you…umm, seriously, thank you. You’re the first person to say it.” I brush a curl back behind my ear nervously, my chest tingling from being unable to breathe. He does this to me.
“How are you going to celebrate?” He inquires.
I shrug, “It’s just another day,” I tell him, kicking a small rock off the sidewalk.
He stiffens, clenching his jaw. He looks like he’s upset I said that.
“It’s a shame you think that.” He puts one hand in his pocket, staring into my soul, and then says something with a charming tone I’ll never forget: “The day agirl named Alessia Sahara Valentine entered this world isn’t just any other day.” He takes another hit of his cigarette. “Doesn’t your boyfriend tell you that?”
I can’t feel this.
“Another year of life should always be a celebration. You never know when Death will come to collect.”
I chew the inside of my lip.
“Fair point…” I giggle. He inhales another hit, and I let my curiosity get the best of me as I stare at his half-mask.
“Why do you wear a mask? Is it because of what happened to you?”
He flicks his cigarette once, ashes falling to the ground, and his face intensifies.
“We all have broken pieces, love. We all have scars we hide underneath a mask. What’s that saying again? Show me yours, and I’ll show you mine?” he dares me.
Smirking like a devil, I chew the inside of my lip.
I start walking backward, “Night, Mr. Hannibal.” I give him a polite nod, doing my best to hide the flustered wave brewing on my face.
“Goodnight, Valentine.”
Something about the way he says goodbye has me enchanted. I turn around, biting my lip, trying to force the giddy curve of my lips away, refusing to let him see the effects he has on my body.
