Page 17 of Casper
Since I could see that this was only going to lead to a hell of a fight, I grabbed Dom’s arm. When he resisted, I gave him a shove, pushing him away from Noah.
“You need to cool it,” I signed. “Let’s get the hell out of here before you do something that gets your ass locked up.”
“Yes, Dom,” Noah added, his tone dripping with acid. “Better back off before you land your ass in prison.”
I was surprised that he’d understood me. Most people I encountered didn’t know sign language.
“My little brother is deaf,” Noah explained in response to my surprised expression. “Not that it’s any business of yours. Get the fuck out of here, Dom. Or you’ll have a lot more to worry about than some slashed tires.”
“Oh, is that fucking so?” Dominik made a move toward Noah. Again I stepped in and dragged him away.
This time I didn’t let go until we rounded the building, leaving Noah and Damon behind. Only when I was sure he wouldn’t go rushing back there did I release him.
“It’s not worth it man,” I signed. “Let it go.”
“Did you see that fucking asshole’s smug expression? He totally did it.” Fuming like a bull about to rampage, Dom cursed and ranted all the way back into the building.
Once I saw him disappear into his next class I let my guard down. Even though he was one of my best friends, he sure could be high maintenance at times. As much as I tried to be there when my friends needed me, I had problems of my own.
CHAPTER TEN
LUNA
Maybe going out on a date with Casper was a mistake. And yet, it was the only way to know for sure how I felt about him. Without my head being clouded by what happened at the haunted house or what I knew about the Graveyard Kings. I didn’t want to see him as just another King. A criminal. I needed to find out for myself who he really was beyond that.
I was looking forward to the rock show he invited me to attend. I loved all kinds of music. Although I was partial to classic rock like Fleetwood Mac, I enjoyed bands from every era.
Right after I returned to the dorm the day of the show, I showered and changed into a cute lilac dress that fell to mid-thigh with flowing bell sleeves. The V cut top showed off a teasing hint of cleavage without making my C cup breasts spill out all over the place. I didn’t have many footwear options in my room since I didn’t have the space, so I went with my favorite black ankle boots.
My colorful hair fell in waves halfway down my back. Sparkly silver shadow adorned my eyes, my lips tinted with a touch of pink lipstick. Once I secured a rose quartz pendant in the shape of an angel wing around my neck, I sat down at my desk and opened my laptop.
I had almost an hour before Casper would arrive to pick me up. After doing a little searching, I found myself on YouTube looking at beginner sign language videos. Since it seemed easy enough, I started off by learning the alphabet. After going through it a few times, I felt confident enough.
After that, I moved on to basic phrases. The time quickly flew past. I was surprised when my phone went off with a message from Casper letting me know he was downstairs. I buzzed him into the building, even though something told me he would find a way in regardless.
Knowing that he was on his way up set nervous butterflies loose in my stomach. I needed to forget about Halloween night. Tonight was a fresh start. Closing my laptop, I ran my fingers through my hair. Needing to busy myself so I didn’t start sweating profusely, I gathered my things, stuffing them into my fuzzy pink purse.
Even though I expected it, the knock at the door made me jump. Wiping my palms on my dress first, I sucked in a deep breath and opened the door. I was surprised to find Casper standing there holding a small bouquet of pink and purple flowers. My heart may have melted into a puddle of mush.
With a dazzling smile that lit up his deep green eyes, Casper held the flowers out to me. Even though he was casually dressed in faded blue jeans and a black hoodie, he still managed to be crazy hot. Maybe it was the black wing inked on the side of his neck peeking out from his hoodie. Or perhaps the devil-may-care way his blue streaked black hair had been styled as if he’d haphazardly shoved his hands through it.
“Thank you.” I took the flowers, pausing to smell their sweet aroma. “They’re beautiful, Casper.”
He automatically started to sign before stopping himself. Pulling out his phone, he typed his response instead.Not as beautiful as you. Sorry, that was cheesy. Every time Ilook at you, I think of flowers. You’re so colorful, and you smell fucking amazing.
I was glad he liked my lavender perfume. It was one of my favorite scents. Hopefully it didn’t take me long to pick up some of this sign language stuff. I hated that he couldn’t use it freely with me like he could with his friends.
Maybe that right there was my first indication that I was more drawn to him than I wanted to admit. Why else would I have spent the last hour doing a beginner lesson?
I took another moment to enjoy the flowers before setting them on my desk. I would have to find a way to stick them in water when I got home later.
“I’m ready when you are,” I said, holding up my purse.
He held out a hand, making a sweeping motion toward the door. We left my room, exiting the building together. He escorted me to a bright orange Dodge Challenger that sat in the small pick-up and drop off zone. Opening the passenger door for me, he waited until I was inside to close it.
Not once in all my years of dating had a guy opened my car door. I thought that kind of thing was only done on TV in old sitcoms and romantic comedies.
Casper got in on the driver’s side. He fiddled with the heat settings for a moment before turning to me, his expression clearly a question.
