Page 45 of Shadows Within
“What did she say to you?”
“I’m probably just overreacting, but I didn’t know what size I would be, and she said that they were sold out of the eight and ten in the dress that I wanted. It’s not that I was offended about the size, I could care less what size I am, it’s that she made it seem like I wasn’t good enough for the dress or that damn store.” I look down at the cement then back at Sophia.
She sighs. “Sometimes I hate this town. If you aren’t filthy rich, people don’t want anything to do with you.”
Sophia smiles. Her parents always have brand new cars and lavish jewelry. She never had to worry about applying for scholarships or reheating dinners. Instead of trying to understand, she offers support in the best way possible.
“Want to get ice cream?”
I smile and squeeze her hand as we walk to the ice cream shop.
Later, she drops me off at the gym to pick up my car and gives me a hug before I leave.
As I approach my car, I notice something on my passenger seat. It’s dusk and I can’t see from across the street.
When I’m finally close enough, I see a long black bag lying across the passenger seat. I walk around to the opposite side and open the door. It’s a clothing bag. As I unzip it, a note falls out.
You deserve everything.
It’s the dress I wanted.
There’s only one person who would’ve done this. I used to think I liked my world untouched, but that’s before Callum Mercer got his hands on it and ruined anything else for me.
Watching From the Shadows
Callum
I arrive at her house five minutes early. I turn the car off and wait for her to come outside. While I should go in and say hi to her dad, she told me to wait out front. I’m tempted to remind her that I don’t take orders well, but I’m not exactly the type of guy who dad’s love. I pull my phone out of my pocket and text to let her know I’m here.
Her front door swings open and I can hear her laugh.
God Dammit, that laugh.
I smile every time I hear it. A tight black dress falls just above her ankles, with a slit that runs up, exposing her perfect legs. I couldn’t imagine her in anything else. She wears cherry red heels with lips that match. I’ll find it hard to keep my hands off of her with that colour.
I feel myself getting hard just looking at her. I adjust myself before she opens the door.
“Hey, I’m waiting for my girlfriend, so you better get away from my car or she’ll kick your ass.” I tease as she slides into the car.
“Shut up.” She grabs my face, and her red lips meet mine. My hand finds her face. I slide my tongue between her parted lips, just licking the outline.
She pulls away. I’m met with her smile as I open my eyes. I smile back, naturally.
“Stunning doesn’t even come close to how amazing you look, Angel.”
“You clean up nice yourself, Mr. Mercer.” She reaches over and rubs my neck.
My car lulls beneath us, steady and low. As we drive off, my hands sit on the steering wheel, even though they’d rather be touching her. I hate that I’m bringing her tonight. I wasn’t going to let the Highers or my dad make me bring anyone else, like they usually suggest, but here we are.Fuck. I run my hands through my hair.
Scarlett quietly sits beside me in the passenger seat. She gazes out the front window, her eyes locked on the road, but every few seconds, her eyes flicker to me, like she is studying me out of the corner of her thoughts. We continue to sit in silence, comfortable in each other’s presence.
“Are you excited to see some of your friends?” She breaks the stillness, her voice is soft and careful.
I shake my head. “No.”
My suit is my armour—crisp and dark. It’s too expensive for someone who claims that he doesn't care about appearances. Scarlett has already seen me at my worst, with bruised knuckles and blood on my shirt. I hate that she’s seen that side of me, the side I wish I could control.
“You don’t want to go to this thing.” She states. It’s not a question, but a truth.
